Harrison Smith (SS), Notre Dame
6-2214 lbs.
2011 Stats:
90 tackles, 3 TFL, 10 PD, FF
Projection:
Late first-early second round
Strengths:
Smith is very effective when playing downhill inside the box and consistently gets early jumps on the ball, reads and reacts quickly. He generates good power into contact when working in pursuit and uses his strong upper body to wrap up. He's projected as playing a center field type role as an NFL strong safety. (National Football Post)
Weaknesses:
He gets upright and will get overextended with footwork when looking to close in on a ball-carrier. Smith lacks great straight-line speed and struggles to get back up to speed quickly. Scouts say Smith isn't the type of player you want to trust to run with receivers down the field. (National Football Post)
Fit for the Bears:
The Bears are always looking for the perfect fit for the Cover 2 defense, so finding a way to land Smith in the first or second round could be a move they make. The Notre Dame product wont win many foot races, but his balance and instincts have scouts raving about what he may develop into at the pro level. Smith can tackle about as well as any safety in this draft class, but he will need to prove he can continue to elevate his coverage skills.