Indy selects
Tanzel Smart DT Tulane
- 5.24 SEC 40
- 22 REPS bench
- 27.0 INCH vert
- 105.0 INCH bj
- 7.53 SEC 3 cone
- 4.57 SEC SS
- 6'1"HEIGHT
- 32 7/8"ARM LENGTH
- 296LBS.WEIGHT
- 9 5/8"HANDS
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Name: Tanzel Smart
School: Tulane
Position: 3- and 5-technique, best in a one-gap scheme
Stats to know: Had 42 total pressures in 2014 and 2015 but finished 2016 with 47 pressures.
What he does best:
- Dominant bull rusher, bullied interior offensive lineman with his power.
- Great hand placement, able to turn OL during his power rush sequence.
- Willing to go through resistance if that is the quickest path to the QB.
- Solid pass rush production with 7 sacks, 7 hits and 33 hurries in 2016.
- Strength to toss linemen when up to full speed.
- Delivers a shocking strike regularly on first contact.
- Exceptional burst off the line, undercuts down blocks with quickness into the backfield.
- Effective on line slants and stunts, able to redirect once he reads play direction.
- Fights off cut blocks, able to regain balance after initial shed.
- Football instincts, can diagnose concepts.
- Had a solid showing at Senior Bowl week, finishing with a QB hit and a run stop during the game.
Biggest concern:
- Struggles to consistently finish, gets very high with his tackle attempts.
- Could use further refinement as a pass-rusher, lacks variety.
- Struggles to hold the point against vs double teams.
- Lacks ideal size for an NFL defensive tackle.
- Tendency to jump pre-snap in an effort to get upfield as quickly as possible.
Player comparison: Kyle Williams, Buffalo Bills
Williams has never allowed his height to detract from his production. Smart also plays at 6-foot-1, and similarly understands the advantage of leverage. The pair share the versatility to play a number of roles, as well as the power to deny quarterbacks a clean platform. Doing the dirty work comes naturally to both and Smart could develop into a complete player at the next level.
Bottom line: Smart is unlikely to garner much attention in this draft process. Looking deeper, however, Smart displays many of the traits required to succeed in the NFL. He possesses the athleticism and strength to eliminate running plays in the backfield, as well as collapse the pocket. Smart represents a wise investment.
NFL.com
OVERVIEW
Even though Smart grew up in Baton Rouge and was a first-team all-state pick, he did not get a chance to play SEC football, so he went to nearby Tulane to show his wares. Playing in every game as a freshman, he was credited with 14 tackles. Then he was rewarded with a starting role each of the next three seasons, increasing his production from his sophomore (47 tackles, 6.5 for loss, two sacks), junior (62 stops, 15 for loss, two sacks), and senior (67 tackles, 18.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks) seasons. He was a first-team All-American Athletic Conference pick in both 2015 and 2016 for his efforts.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Excited to play football on every single rep. Times up snap and is quick into the neutral zone. Always searching for the ball. Uses hand quickness to disengage and tackle on time. Good football instincts and quick to recognize and react to screens. Plays with quick hands and quick feet that get him in position to make plays. Gets to blocker's edge with low center of gravity to drive up the field and disrupt. Able to fill a stat sheet up against both run and pass. Feet and hands are a whirlwind of action that never stop looking for improved positioning. Catches blockers under their pads and has the leg drive to bull them back into the pocket.
WEAKNESSES
Short and squatty frame. Matched up against below average competition on most weeks. Plays straight-legged which limits his change of direction. Lack of length causes him to swing and miss in tackle attempts against shifty runners. May not have enough raw power to make up for his lack of size. Long-armed guards can stab his chest and stick him in neutral.
NFL COMPARISON
Rakeem Nunez-Roches
BOTTOM LINE
He's a three-technique only who lacks desired size and length, but his quickness and disruptive nature lead to consistent production week in and week out. Smart needs to be in an upfield scheme that takes advantage of his ability to play in the gaps. His draft stock will take a hit due to his lack of measurables, but he has NFL backup potential thanks to his ability to rush the passer.