Ourlads' Profile:
2022 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about BRANDON SMITH:
Penn State, 6034 250 4.52. Junior entry, two-year starter, Louisa, VA. Third-team All-Big 10 in 2021. Outstanding physical specimen who has the size and athleticism of an elite NFL linebacker. High upside and versatile he has been used in the box and as an overhang player working more in the box last season. Flashes power attacking blocks, he can shed on the move and has fundamental tackling skill. He gathers and finishes tackles delivering some punishing hits in space. Outstanding blitz skill he shows a quick first step and can chase down the most athletic quarterbacks. At his best chasing using incredible range and speed. Solid flat defender he gets underneath the intermediate route and is sudden to break on the short throw dropping receivers in their tracks. Has the burst to challenge the catch point. As a big linebacker he has unique speed and agility to mirror backs out of the backfield and cover big slot receivers and tight ends. Still a work in progress in some areas as he can get out of position on inside fits in the box. Can run into blocks in chase mode and needs to improve his ability to stack and shed. Plays out of control at times overrunning a play. As a zone defender he has some problems with multiple route combinations and can get caught out of position. Has flashed skill in all of these areas and should develop. Has been outstanding on special teams and should have a role there immediately. Should fit early as a nickel linebacker and special team ace. Development will be the key but he has the tools of a versatile NFL starter that will have to be accounted for wherever he lines up.
2021 stats: 81 T, 9 TFL, 2 sacks, 5 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FF. OSR:9/42. Fourth/fifth round. (A-34 5/8, H-10 1/4, BP-DNP, 10-1.57).