Jason Smith Scouting Report

Jason Smith started his career at Baylor as a tight end. As a freshman he started eight games and caught six passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. Smith translated his quick feet and strong hands into the offensive tackle position in 2006. Once there he played nearly every snap as a sophomore. His junior year was slowed by injuries, but Smith still earned All-Big 12 honorable mention accolades.

His time at tight end has proven to be beneficial to Smith. His footwork is great and few offensive tackles can match his athleticism. The 6-5, 305 pound Smith is strong enough to battle with just about anyone in the Big 12, but he does have room to gain strength. The big concern is Smith's knee. Last year he injured it in the season opener against TCU. That forced him to miss three games. His second game back the right knee was re-injured and Smith missed two more games.

Smith has the talent to be a first round selection. He needs to have a healthy 2008 campaign in Waco, Texas to reach those lofty expectations, but so far that is not a major problem. Right now he is probably one of the top three or four senior offensive tackles in the 2009 draft.

2/12 Update: Smith remains one of the top three or four tackles in the 2009 draft. In fact, if anything, Smith has moved up to the first or second best tackle prospect in this class. Depending on who you talk to, Smith is right in the mix with Michael Oher, Andre Smith and Eugene Monroe. Those four will almost certainly be the top four offensive tackles taken, but which order they will go is still up for grabs.

4/16 Update: A solid combine showing has moved Smith up to the top of the list of offensive tackles. If the Rams keep the second pick of the draft, they will almost certainly select the big man out of Baylor. Eugene Monroe is the only other offensive tackle worth taking that early, but Smith has the slight edge.