Z. Smith at Senior Bowl

[anon_7tbtqcx308nxh]

Big Z didn't do anything to really stand out during tonight's Senior Bowl. He got quite a bit of playing time, nearly had a sack on his first series, and was in on some gang tackles, but no plays that made him stand out. On the bright side, several reports stated he had a good week of practice which is arguably the most dissected aspect of these all-star games. There were several good offensive tackles on the South squad, so that's encouraging to hear.

After winning Defensive MVP at last week's Shrine Bowl, and another solid week at the Senior Bowl, Smith has certainly helped his draft stock. I'm very happy for him and think he'll make a roster, and eventually develop into a fine 3-4 defensive end. Reports said the coaches were trying him out at a OLB, but I don't think that'll take.

As many of you know, Z. took Bud's spot on the Senior Bowl roster. Bud decided not to participate this week which suggests where his representation thinks he'll go in the draft. In short, the Senior Bowl needed Bud more than Bud needed the Senior Bowl.

Would love to see Bud go in the first round, Z. by the 4th, and Darrian Miller by the 6th. I don't know where they're all prepping for the NFL combine, but Avery Williamson opened a lot of eyes at last year's combine after staying and training with UK's S&C staff. My only prediction is that Bud will have an insane combine. Many people will label him a "freak" after the things he does there.

 

[Smashcat]

Thanks

 

[UKwannabe]

Wouldn't be suprised to see bud go top 5. He'll test out much like that dude from Buffalo did last year but Bud has SEC success to back it up and is perhaps the most versatile player in the draft. He may be the only lock to have a sure fire long career in the NFL.

 

[kyhusker2]

Originally posted by UKwannabe:
Wouldn't be suprised to see bud go top 5. He'll test out much like that dude from Buffalo did last year but Bud has SEC success to back it up and is perhaps the most versatile player in the draft. He may be the only lock to have a sure fire long career in the NFL.

SEC success? Like Michael Sams?

He'll go in the first round, but he's not going top 5.

 

[BlueRaider22]

I'm guessing Bud will go in picks 20-40.......10-30 if he has a crazy combine.

I'm guessing Z will go in rds 3-4.

 

[UKwannabe]

Originally posted by kyhusker2:

Originally posted by UKwannabe:
Wouldn't be suprised to see bud go top 5. He'll test out much like that dude from Buffalo did last year but Bud has SEC success to back it up and is perhaps the most versatile player in the draft. He may be the only lock to have a sure fire long career in the NFL.

SEC success? Like Michael Sams?

He'll go in the first round, but he's not going top 5.

Khalil Mack says hi.


Michael Sam sucked it up at the combine, if Dupree puts up similar numbers at the combine to Sam, then yea, you have a point. As far as I know, Bud isn't gay either, so there's that.

 

[BlueRaider22]

There are several issues working against Bud going in the top 5-10.

1. 2 really good QB prospects and many teams that need one. The chance that both QB's go in the top 6 picks is very high.

2. Leonard Williams - crazy versatile and can play any d-line position. Many/most teams have him listed as the top overall player in the draft. The probability that he goes in the top 5 is pretty much 100%.

3. Randy Gregory - Largely thought to be the #1 DE/OLB in the draft. He'll be a combine stud as well. Likely to go in the top 5-6.

So, there's 4 guys right there that are virtual locks to go in the top 5-6 picks of the draft. Likely throw in Cooper and the top 5 is just about locked up.




Now, let's look at Bud himself.
-As a 4-3 DE, he's not the best all-around DE prospect. More of a pass-rush specialist. Not that his run defense is poor, but there are others that are better. This basically comes down to fit. What does a team want/need? Right now there are about 6 guys who have 1st rd grades who project as possible 4-3 DE's.

-As a 3-4 OLB, his pass rush moves are a bit raw. Mostly b/c he hasn't played at the position longer than a few other prospects have. There are about 6 guys who have 1st rd grades at the 3-4 OLB position (note that about 4-5 guys overlap the 4-3DE and 3-4OLB positions).


Could Bud break the top 10? Very possible with a great combine showing, but it is more likely that he'll go no higher than the teens b/c you have to factor in the other positions into the draft.

 

[hmt5000]

i know bud made a comment about clowney's #'s at the combine with something to the effect of "if they thought that was good wait til they see what i can do". i think bud will post faster times, better vertical, and has a better motor than clowney... clowney was freakishly strong for a dude that big though.. dont think bud will post the reps on the bench that clowney did. but if he has 4 metrics better than clowney, a lot of people are gonna start putting him in the top 15, agreed top 6 is not very probable but 8 to 15 could very well be.

 

[BlueRaider22]

I think Bud was just being confident with his statement.

-Over the last 9 yrs of the combine there have only been 3 or 4 players of Bud's size who have ran sub 4.6
Clowney - rd 1, pick 1
Groves - rd 2, pick 52
Mingo - rd 1, pick 6
Webster - rd 4, pick 136

So, if Bud does break 4.6 it will be a major feat and something to be very proud of. Although it doesn't necessarily shoot you to the top of the draft board.

 

[Kooky Kats]

Dewayne Robertson 2.0.