NFL Draft Profile: Mississippi State DE Preston Smith

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As part of our coverage leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft we will provide profiles of 200 prospects, including what the scouts around the league are saying and video interviews with each player.

Preston Smith (DE), Mississippi State

6’5” | 271 lbs.

2014 stats:

48 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 touchdown

Selection:

2nd round, No. 38 overall (Washington Redskins)

What scouts are saying:

"Boasts an impressive wingspan and heavy hands to engage and dispose of blockers, using an array of rush moves to tear through blocks. Smith also lines up as a 1-technique lineman inside on obvious passing downs, using his initial quickness and power to penetrate the A-gap and create interior pressure." - CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler

"Must time snap to get enough burst upfield to win the edge. More of an edge-rounder than corner-turner. Pedestrian inside pass-rush moves. Scouts say he "sees it" but doesn't have the quick-twitch athleticism to react quickly enough to make plays. Disengages a step slow. Takes too long to ramp up to play speed when asked to stop/start. Will jog and watch in pursuit away. Lacks power to bull rush" - NFL.com's Lance Zierlein

"Smith has been a solid, rotational defensive end for Mississippi State, but nothing too special. When studying tape long enough, you see traits and potential. With his long arms, plus hands and ability to play the run, Smith could be an interesting prospect inside or in a hybrid 3-4 front. As a 4-3 defensive end, he lacks the twitch to be an impact player." - NFL.com's Lance Zierlein

Video analysis provided by NBC Sports and Rotoworld NFL Draft expert Josh Norris.

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