Jimmy Smith Scouting Report

Rather quietly Jimmy Smith has turned into one of the best cornerbacks in the Big 12…and it is never easy to be a corner in that conference. Smith saw most of his action as redshirt freshman on special teams where his pure speed helped him make a big impact. By the end of his sophomore campaign, Smith was starting at corner and he has been there ever since. Smith was not too consistent as a sophomore, but he was making some big plays in big games. By the time he was an upperclassman, Smith did emerge as the consistent cornerback Colorado was looking for. He tallied 70 tackles and was named to the All-Big 12 second-team by the Associated Press.

Heading into 2010 Smith picked up where he left off and is on the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award (given to the nation's top defensive back). Once again Smith is not putting up eye popping numbers, but most of the competition tries to stay away from him. Since he has his wide receiver blanketed most of the time anyway, it becomes very tough to throw to his side of the field.

Smith's speed is going to impress a lot of people at the NFL Combine. This is a player who can run a 4.4 40 on a good day. That is great speed for anybody, but having a corner who is 6-2 that can run that fast is special. That may push Smith to the edge of the first round, but at worst he is a second round talent.

2/10 Update: Smith finished up his senior season with more All-Conference accolades and headed into the pre-draft workouts with his stock going up. There is little doubt that he has the pure skills to be a first round selection, but sitting out game situations during the Senior Bowl has soured some on him. However, Smith should have a nice showing at the NFL Combine and he will again be considered a stable first round prospect.

4/6 Update: Smith ran as well as most expected at the NFL combine and that is keeping him hovering right between the first and second round. On many draft boards he will be right behind Prince Amukamara and Patrick Peterson in the cornerback pecking order. That should be enough for Smith to hear his name called on the opening night of the draft, but there are certainly other corners who are not far behind Smith.