Jared Smith

Physical Profile

Possesses a prototypical build for a premier pass rusher, verified at 6-foot-6.5 and weighing between 235-260 pounds. His most notable physical trait is exceptional length, including 34.5-inch arms, which creates a significant advantage in controlling offensive linemen and disengaging from blocks. Formerly a multi-sport athlete in basketball, he displays good foot and body quickness for his size, though his frame is still maturing and will require additional functional strength to maximize his power at the point of attack.

Play Style

Primarily lines up as a 5-technique in an even front but also shows versatility as a stand-up edge rusher on passing downs. He wins with a combination of quickness and athleticism, using his long strides to cover ground and his length to create problems for blockers. Plays with a good effort level, frequently running down plays from the backside. His senior season showed a breakout in production, finishing with 22 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.

Strengths

• Elite frame and length: His 6-foot-6.5 height and nearly 7-foot wingspan are top-tier measurables that collegiate and NFL programs covet, allowing him to create separation and disrupt passing lanes.
• Athleticism and Bend: Shows impressive foot and body quickness, with the ability to bend the edge effectively when rushing the passer. This agility, honed through his basketball background, allows him to win with athleticism and speed off the line of scrimmage.
• High Developmental Ceiling: As a player who is young for his class and still growing into his body, his long-term potential is exceptionally high. He began to put his physical tools together with on-field production as a senior, indicating a sharp upward developmental trajectory.

Areas to Improve

• Functional Play Strength: Needs to continue adding mass and converting his basketball physique into a more powerful football frame to improve his physicality at the point of attack, particularly against the run.
• Technical Refinement: While possessing natural athletic ability, he must refine his hand usage, striking, and overall pass-rush move set to consistently defeat collegiate offensive tackles. Learning to fully utilize his elite length will be a key developmental focus.

College Projection

Projects as a high-level, multi-year starter at a Power Four program. Following a likely initial rotational role as a true freshman where his pass-rushing traits can be utilized in situational downs, he is expected to develop into a full-time starter by his sophomore season. His physical tools give him the potential to become an all-conference level player.

NFL Outlook

Possesses all the requisite physical traits sought after by NFL organizations for a premier EDGE rusher. With continued physical development and technical refinement during his college career, he has the potential to mature into a Day 1 or Day 2 NFL Draft selection.

Best Fit

A defensive scheme that allows him to utilize his athleticism in space and pin his ears back as a pass rusher would be ideal. Whether in a 4-3 defensive end role or as a stand-up outside linebacker in a 3-4, the key is maximizing his opportunities to attack the edge and disrupt the quarterback.