2018 NFL Draft: Braden Smith Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Auburn’s Braden Smith is one of the more talented guard prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft class.
Braden Smith is an athletically built offensive guard prospect who projects as a day-1 starter. He has been highly successful throughout his college career facing top-level competition. Smith could’ve realistically been an early round pick in the 2017 but decided to wait until the 2018 NFL Draft.
This is a technically sound prospect who utilizes proper footwork, angles and leverage. Smith routinely fires off the ball, rolls his hips and gains inside hands. This gives him the ability to control the action and latch to the defender.
Smith features the upper body strength and heavy hands needed to create movement. His footwork helps him seal the defender from the play and open running lanes. Smith doesn’t jump off the screen as a road-grader, but his sound technique allows him to generate a push off the line.
His run blocking skills are also aided by his aggressiveness and the fact he works to the whistle.
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The one small concern surrounding Smith is his height. He is listed at 6’5” which is tall for a interior offensive lineman. However, his commitment to maintaining leverage and athleticism make this sort of a moot point.
Smith is an above average pass protector for his position. He keeps a wide base, head on a swivel and hands out in front. His balance helps him anchor after contact and keep pressure out of the quarterback’s face.
He has enough foot speed to mirror the rush and prevent defenders from shooting the gap. Again, Smith’s combination of raw talent and technically sound approach are what makes him so effective.
Overall, Smith represents an immediate starter and someone who will be an above average contributor. He should have a very long and successful NFL career. I’d be surprised if the lasted past the 2nd round of the draft.