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2021 NFL Draft: UNI EDGE Elerson Smith the next big FCS sleeper?

By Cory Kinnan

AMES, IA - AUGUST 31: Defensive lineman Elerson Smith #16 of the Northern Iowa Panthers tackles running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones as he rushed for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 29-26 over the Northern Iowa Panthers in triple overtime. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - AUGUST 31: Defensive lineman Elerson Smith #16 of the Northern Iowa Panthers tackles running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones as he rushed for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 29-26 over the Northern Iowa Panthers in triple overtime. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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Elerson Smith
Elerson Smith. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

What is his 2021 NFL Draft outlook?

This writer currently has Smith graded out as an early day-three pick, with a fourth round standing. However, as everyone knows, all bets are off should he get an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine within the coming months. In fact, these coming months will be telling for the talent of Smith as he is also heading to Mobile, Alabama for the Reese’s Senior Bowl as well.

Is he a top edge rusher in the class? Absolutely not as he is beginning to battle for his standing as a day-two pick. However, the physical traits that he possesses, as well as continued body transformation will have many excited about the future of the young Panther pass rusher.

Zack Patraw of The Dynasty Draft Room is excited about the potential of Smith as well:

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"“While Smith still has yet to reach his full potential at the collegiate level, the sky is the limit for this Panther. I see someone that has the tools and, with a little more polish, could be a solid edge rusher at the next level. Would I like to see him add somewhere near 10-pounds of muscle? Sure, but with his body-type, he seemed maxed out at 245-pounds. That’s not a knock considering he plays very well at the size he is currently. All in all, Elerson Smith is a name to watch out for and someone that I currently have a mid to late day-two grade. Clearly, I’m excited about Elerson Smith.”"

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Should Smith measure in and test as expected when he heads to Indianapolis, Indiana for the combine, his stock will likely soar into the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft as he has other-worldly physical traits. A big ball of clay at this point, NFL teams will be chomping at the bit to get their hands on a pass rusher as long and athletic as Smith.

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