With The First Pick
Fansided

2020 NFL Draft: Andrew Thomas leads strong O-Line class

By Jacob Harrison

BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 13: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs guards during a game against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 13: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs guards during a game against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 08: Keller Chryst #19 of the Tennessee Volunteers waits for a snap during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 08: Keller Chryst #19 of the Tennessee Volunteers waits for a snap during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

Trey Smith‘s career at Tennessee has mirrored Andrew Thomas’s in many ways. Smith immediately stepped in playing all 12 games across the line as a freshman before settling in as the permanent left tackle and earning the attention of the nation despite the Vols recent struggles.

Unlike Thomas, Smith uses his athleticism in favor of technique (though his technique is more than adequate), showing superior strength over defenders and quickness off the ball. In the run game, he’s a powerhouse, immediately overpowering defenders with a powerful punch and drive. The only critique to his run game is that he plays too tall, but this is coachable.

As a pass blocker, Smith displays quick, smart feet. Thanks to his athleticism and strength he handles all types of rushers and moves consistently. He tracks the rusher well and times his punches and attack well while showing a good feel for his quarterback behind him.

The absolute biggest problem with Trey Smith is his health. He’s dealt with blood clots in his lungs twice since February 2018, the first disrupting Spring training and the other causing him to miss the final 5 games of last season. Smith’s 2019 is still uncertain, though he did participate in the Spring in a limited capacity. His health is the most important above football, but if everything works out for him to play again, Smith is more than worthy of a day-one selection.

Home/NFL Draft News