Brad Smelley Scouting Report

Smelley projects as a fullback at the next level after playing h-back for Alabama. He was used sparingly aside from blocking during his first three seasons in Tuscaloosa. In that time frame he caught 20 passes for 203 yards. As a senior starter in 2011, Smelley made 34 catches for 356 yards and four touchdowns as he helped the Crimson Tide win the BCS National Championship. He was also instrumental in blocking for Trent Richardson, who was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

The Tuscaloosa, AL native has good size at 6'2'' and 229 pounds. He is not going to overpower anyone, either running the ball or blocking for tailbacks. Still, Smelley is not afraid to get physical; he is a solid fundamental blocker. Smelley contributed on special teams (mainly kick coverage) throughout all four years of his college career and he can be expected to do the same in the NFL. His real value will come in making key catches out of the backfield in crucial short-yardage situations. Smelley does a great job of blocking and then freeing himself up in the open field like a tight end, and he has reliable hands. As a result, he should get drafted in April; expect it to be in the sixth or seventh round.