Indianapolis Colts' scout on what makes draft pick Tim Smith 'unique'
Indianapolis Colts' scout on what makes draft pick Tim Smith 'unique' The Indianapolis Colts' assistant director of college scouting weighed in on what makes IDL Tim Smith a "unique" player.
With one of their two sixth-round draft picks, the Indianapolis Colts selected Alabama defensive tackle Tim Smith. So what was it about Smith's game that made him "unique" and helped him stand out at that stage of the NFL draft?
'I think what's unique about him is his ability to play blocks," said assistant director of college scouting Jamie Moore via the Indy Star. "It's something that (defensive coordinator) Lou (Anarumo) talked about when he got here, explaining how this defense is going to operate up front."
Smith was a steady presence along the Alabama defensive front for the last four seasons. If you go and look at Smith's stat lines, they aren't going to leap off the page, especially when it comes to generating quarterback pressures and sacks. Last season, according to PFF, Smith finished the year with 11 pressures and two sacks.
However, getting after the quarterback isn't what Smith was always asked to do either. He's been at his best in the run game.
The dirty work that can come with being a stout run defender in the middle isn't always going to be easily recognizable. But when an interior defender his creating push, taking up space, and occupying blockers, every defender around that player benefits.
In addition to Smith's contributions in the run game, he brings versatility as well, which is an important element of playing along the defensive front in Lou Anarumo's scheme. At Alabama this past season, we routinely saw Smith lining up across multiple gaps depending on the down-and-distance and the opponent.
"Lou likes versatility," Moore added. "Tim has very heavy hands. He's got knockback. If anybody has ever studied a Nick Saban defense, you understand that you better know how to play with your hands. He can play square to the line of scrimmage, he's a really good run defender.'
After releasing Raekwon Davis earlier this offseason, Smith can potentially step into that backup run defender-first role behind Grover Stewart.
One area where the Colts' defensive front has to improve this season is in the level of play behind Stewart and Buckner. Too often last season, opposing offenses feasted when those two weren't on the field. At such a heavily rotated position like defensive tackle, depth is crucial.
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