Kevin Smith?

[ImAWalkingCorps]

I haven't seen much about him on this board... I wonder if he is there in the second if he is the type of running back we could use. I know he had a good pro-day.

[Monty'sCircus]

he's a high mileage back with a very similar game to EG...but then again the same thing could be said about Dunn/Bennet with Ray Rice and Chris Johnson
I think the 2nd round is way too high for him and think he has much better value in the 4th-5th rd range.

[cflabucsfan]

According to the Orlando Sentinel. the Dolphins are showing some interest.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-dolphins1108apr11,0,3744698.story

[Tommy Lawlor]

Here's my writeup:

http://scoutsnotebook.com/scno0708/running_backs/viewrb.php?id=55


I see Kevin as a 3rd. He would be a good fit for Gruden's style of offense. Kevin might remind you a bit of Ricky Watters, who put up very good numbers for Jon in Philly.

[FinNasty23]

he's a high mileage back with a very similar game to EG...but then again the same thing could be said about Dunn/Bennet with Ray Rice and Chris Johnson
I think the 2nd round is way too high for him and think he has much better value in the 4th-5th rd range.

He wont make it past the 3rd...

But you are right that he would be GREAT value in the 4th-5th. But he wont make it that far...

[Riverview_Buc]

I haven't seen much about him on this board... I wonder if he is there in the second if he is the type of running back we could use. I know he had a good pro-day.

I think he has bust written all over him, the level of competition he played against is a deciding factor for me. He only gained 30 yards against USF, yes I know they were way behind in that game. He was completely a non-factor in UCF's bowl game. Too many yards against very poor teams, in a poor conference. He will be a name quickly off the radar once he starts playing with the big boys. One season wonder, who should of stayed around for another year at UCF, but someone convinced him his stats alone proved him ready to play on Sunday. Greed overcame reason in this case.

[TampaBay012286]

I haven't seen much about him on this board... I wonder if he is there in the second if he is the type of running back we could use. I know he had a good pro-day.

he is more of a 3rd/4th rounder i think, but regardless of the round, i doubt we will take him

[maryjanewatson]

He could be a high end backup, but I don't like him as more than that. There are many backs who are going to go in that general area I like better as well.

[Ken Carson]

I think he has bust written all over him, the level of competition he played against is a deciding factor for me. He only gained 30 yards against USF, yes I know they were way behind in that game. He was completely a non-factor in UCF's bowl game. Too many yards against very poor teams, in a poor conference. He will be a name quickly off the radar once he starts playing with the big boys. One season wonder, who should of stayed around for another year at UCF, but someone convinced him his stats alone proved him ready to play on Sunday. Greed overcame reason in this case.

Insert keyboard into trash compactor.

217 yards against NC State, 149 yards against Texas, and 119 yards in the bowl game. Pretty good for a "non-factor". He also had 55 against USF, which isn't bad for your worst game (his only under 100 I might add).

I'd say 3rd round is about right for him. Maybe some reaches for him in the second if there's a big run on backs.

[FinNasty23]

I think he has bust written all over him, the level of competition he played against is a deciding factor for me. He only gained 30 yards against USF, yes I know they were way behind in that game. He was completely a non-factor in UCF's bowl game. Too many yards against very poor teams, in a poor conference. He will be a name quickly off the radar once he starts playing with the big boys. One season wonder, who should of stayed around for another year at UCF, but someone convinced him his stats alone proved him ready to play on Sunday. Greed overcame reason in this case.
I love how Smith gets the "competition" flag... but Forte and Chris Johnson get a pass...

He had 100 total yards against USF, and only played one half. In the first quarter, Smith had 61 rushing yards on 10 carries, for a 6.1ypc. That included a drive where he ran all over them:

1st and 10 at UCF 44 Kevin Smith rush for 6 yards to the 50 yard line out-of-bounds.
2nd and 4 at USF 50 Kevin Smith rush for 13 yards to the SFla 37 out-of-bounds for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at USF 37 Kevin Smith rush for 5 yards to the SFla 32.
2nd and 5 at USF 32 Kevin Smith rush for 17 yards to the SFla 15 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at USF 15 Kevin Smith rush for 12 yards to the SFla 3 for a 1ST down.
1st and Goal at USF 3 Kevin Smith rush for 2 yards to the SFla 1.
2nd and Goal at USF 1 Kevin Smith rush for a loss of 1 yard to the SFla 2.
3rd and Goal at USF 2 Kyle Israel rush for 2 yards for a TOUCHDOWN. 6 10
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=272860058

Do you see a pass on that drive?

USF's front 7 was getting ran all over... so in the 2nd quarter, USF dropped both of the safties and run blitzed the hell out of UCF and completely overpowered UCF's less talented OLine. Smith only had 6 carries that quarter, and got hit and tackled in the backfield 3 of the 6 times. 3 of the carries were for 2, 4, and 9 yards. The other 3 were for -2, -2, and -3... as he was getting hit in the backfield right when he got the ball.

However, since they were trying so hard to stop him in the rushing game, he was able to take advantage and make them pay by taking a pass for 42 yards in that quarter.

Then... he was done. The game was over at that point.... and he was pulled. He may have got 1 carry early in the 3rd, but it was over...


When you actually look at his performance, he had a good game against them. 100 total yards in 1 halfs worth against them... and besides the 3 plays where the offensive line got dominanted and Smith was hit when getting the ball... he was able to run very effectively against them.


Smith had a good game... but the rest of the team got totally dominated.


And as far as the bowl game? Kevin twisted his ankle in the 2nd. Before the injury, he was averaging 4.6ypc against them, and afterwards, 2.2ypc. He didnt sit much at all, and played through it... but he was clearly effected. And even though he was hurt... he still had 119 yards against them. McFadden only had 89 against them this season.


And then their was NC State... where he had 217 yards and a couple of TDs.

And then there was Texas... where he had 149 yards and a couple more TDs.



He played well against his BCS competition...

And mind you, that is with a C-USA oline blocking in front of him...

[ImAWalkingCorps]

I am on record stating I would love to have Kevin Smith in a Buccaneers uniform.

[BucFan LHT]

Good post, Kevin Smith would be a solid RB to have for any team in the NFL. He's a hard worker, and was UCF's entire offense, He went into the draft this year so he wouldnt have any bonus mileage that O'Leary would certainly give him. He's the best all-around RB in C-USA and that includes Chris Johnson and Matt Forte.

[BucsBoy24]

I think he has bust written all over him, the level of competition he played against is a deciding factor for me. He only gained 30 yards against USF, yes I know they were way behind in that game. He was completely a non-factor in UCF's bowl game. Too many yards against very poor teams, in a poor conference. He will be a name quickly off the radar once he starts playing with the big boys. One season wonder, who should of stayed around for another year at UCF, but someone convinced him his stats alone proved him ready to play on Sunday. Greed overcame reason in this case.

His value would have fallen even more with another year of a heavy workload in college, i believe he made the right decision

[BlackHawk]

We don't need another Earnest Graham...which is all Kevin Smith really is...this draft has way too much RB talent to pick up a guy like Smith...

[buccsmf1]

I think he has bust written all over him, the level of competition he played against is a deciding factor for me. He only gained 30 yards against USF, yes I know they were way behind in that game. He was completely a non-factor in UCF's bowl game. Too many yards against very poor teams, in a poor conference. He will be a name quickly off the radar once he starts playing with the big boys. One season wonder, who should of stayed around for another year at UCF, but someone convinced him his stats alone proved him ready to play on Sunday. Greed overcame reason in this case.

Please never post anything relating to football again. Many others have already torn your awful post to pieces so i won't elaborate on how idiotic this post was.

Hint: Texas was a top 15 run defense in the nation. He ran against 8-9 in the box nearly every play and still couldn't be stopped. I think everything else has already been covered by others.

[Bucko40]

Undrafted FA and camp fodder at best. He might make a practice squad on some NFL team. He's jus tto raw a talent at this point.

[Ken Carson]

Undrafted FA and camp fodder at best. He might make a practice squad on some NFL team. He's jus tto raw a talent at this point.

/handtoface

Let's make a bet, if he goes undrafted I'll never post in College/Draft again. If he does get drafted you do the same.

[BucsBoy24]

/handtoface

Let's make a bet, if he goes undrafted I'll never post in College/Draft again. If he does get drafted you do the same.

I second that bet

[Pantera Canes]

he's a high mileage back with a very similar game to EG...but then again the same thing could be said about Dunn/Bennet with Ray Rice and Chris Johnson
I think the 2nd round is way too high for him and think he has much better value in the 4th-5th rd range.

I see him as more versatile than Graham. Think he can complement Graham with pass catching, speed, and vision.

Smith and Eddie Royal are two none 1st round guys I hope we draft and if we reach early for them wouldn't mind because I think they will contribute and work hard. Smith I'm hoping for in the 4th and Royal in the 3rd. If we draft them each a round earlier then I won't complain.

[FinNasty23]

Undrafted FA and camp fodder at best. He might make a practice squad on some NFL team. He's jus tto raw a talent at this point.

What? Raw talent? If anything, he is the opposite of raw in terms of vision and awareness and understanding blocking schemes and defenses. He understands how to set up his blocks and get to the 2nd level better than most in this class...

I will bet my membership here that he gets drafted....

[FinNasty23]

We don't need another Earnest Graham...which is all Kevin Smith really is...this draft has way too much RB talent to pick up a guy like Smith...

He is like Graham as in hes a between the tackles kind of back. Both have good leg drive and nice power. Noses for the endzone as well...

However, Smith has better vision and definitely has much better cutting ability. Combined with his receiving ability, and he is a much more complete back than Graham...

[maryjanewatson]

He is like Graham as in hes a between the tackles kind of back. Both have good leg drive and nice power. Noses for the endzone as well...

However, Smith has better vision and definitely has much better cutting ability. Combined with his receiving ability, and he is a much more complete back than Graham...

Agreed. Smith isn't as big, but he's more agile and quicker to the hole than Graham.

I wouldn't want either of 'em starting for my team though.

[FinNasty23]

Agreed. Smith isn't as big, but he's more agile and quicker to the hole than Graham.

I wouldn't want either of 'em starting for my team though.

I dont know why you wouldnt want Smith starting for you?

Graham isnt even that bad...

[BlackHawk]

I dont know why you wouldnt want Smith starting for you?

...probably because you're a UCF fan...

[FinNasty23]

...probably because you're a UCF fan...

And? There are a lot of backs in this draft that I would like starting for me (if Ronnie cant return). Plenty of them in the 3rd round too... like Smith, Choice, and Rice...

Instead of just saying "Well, you're a UCF fan"... why dont you support your post, with reasons as to why? What he may be lacking to be starting calibur?

I'm interested in your take on Smith...

[BlackHawk]

What he may be lacking to be starting calibur?

Talent...

He was good in college...against C-USA...and he's going in the late 3rd probably early 4th range...and he's going there for a reason...

[FinNasty23]

Talent...

He was good in college...against C-USA...and he's going in the late 3rd probably early 4th range...and he's going there for a reason...

Wow, terrific analysis... well done. That sure explains things. I was hoping though that you might actually go into a bit more detail... maybe actually breaking him down as a prospect. But I figured you wouldnt...


He will go to the 3rd, but only because of how many great RBs are in this class. Normally, he would go much higher. Plus, he didn't get some of the offseason exposure of Senior Bowls like some of the other prospects like Matt Forte... who played in the same conference and will now probably go in the 2nd round with his performance in the Senior Bowl.


I'd offer you my breakdown of him... but I'll wait for yours...

[maryjanewatson]

I dont know why you wouldnt want Smith starting for you?

Graham isnt even that bad...

I don't think either of them are anything special. I like Smith more than Graham (even with age notwithstanding). I just don't think either of them are better than about 40 other guys I can think of, in the league or in this draft class.

[ImAWalkingCorps]

Talent...

He was good in college...against C-USA...and he's going in the late 3rd probably early 4th range...and he's going there for a reason...

I think it will be because of the plethora of running backs available.

[FinNasty23]

I don't think either of them are anything special. I like Smith more than Graham (even with age notwithstanding). I just don't think either of them are better than about 40 other guys I can think of, in the league or in this draft class.

Fair enough... everyone is entitled to their own opinion...

Now, what about Smith is he poor at that 40 or so other backs are better than him at?

I mean, 40 other backs? I dont even think there are 40 backs better than Graham... let alone Smith.

Please break him down, specifically what you like/dont like about him, and why you dont believe he will be successful.

[Pantera Canes]

I don't think either of them are anything special. I like Smith more than Graham (even with age notwithstanding). I just don't think either of them are better than about 40 other guys I can think of, in the league or in this draft class.

Considering I believe we will wait out to see if Carnell can come back again, 3rd or 4th round will be the earliest. I think Smith and Graham could make a great pair. I liked Graham coming out despite him being a gator and hoping we would draft him and was happy when we signed him as an undrafted free agent. I think Smith can fill in all the things Graham can't do for us and Smith would probably end up starting with Graham coming in to split with and rest him.

Also, a lot of 3rd and 4th round guys have done better than 1st round guys.
I'm sure at this point both us and the bears would rather have Frank Gore (3rd) or Marion Barber III (4th) than the guys we picked up.

I really think Smith going in the 4th is due to two things. Smaller school (though UCF has had a few guys who have done well in Culpepper, Brandon Marshall, Asante Samual, and even Lee was decent) and because he had so many yards in college. Though he is coming out a year early so will be younger and one less year of yardage. He had a great workout, huge numbers even against traditional power house teams, and has great attributes like speed and vision that just can't be taught. Really think he could be another mid round back that does great in the NFL like Brian Westbrook, Frank Gore, Marion Barber III, Maurice Jones-Drew (though he was a 2nd round, but late 2nd).

[FinNasty23]

Considering I believe we will wait out to see if Carnell can come back again, 3rd or 4th round will be the earliest. I think Smith and Graham could make a great pair. I liked Graham coming out despite him being a gator and hoping we would draft him and was happy when we signed him as an undrafted free agent. I think Smith can fill in all the things Graham can't do for us and Smith would probably end up starting with Graham coming in to split with and rest him.

Also, a lot of 3rd and 4th round guys have done better than 1st round guys.
I'm sure at this point both us and the bears would rather have Frank Gore (3rd) or Marion Barber III (4th) than the guys we picked up.

I really think Smith going in the 4th is due to two things. Smaller school (though UCF has had a few guys who have done well in Culpepper, Brandon Marshall, Asante Samual, and even Lee was decent) and because he had so many yards in college. Though he is coming out a year early so will be younger and one less year of yardage. He had a great workout, huge numbers even against traditional power house teams, and has great attributes like speed and vision that just can't be taught. Really think he could be another mid round back that does great in the NFL like Brian Westbrook, Frank Gore, Marion Barber III, Maurice Jones-Drew (though he was a 2nd round, but late 2nd).

I couldnt agree more...



Oh, and dont forget about Atari Bigby... :cool:

[Pantera Canes]

I couldnt agree more...



Oh, and dont forget about Atari Bigby... :cool:

Yeah, here is a list from wikipedia. I'm sure there could be more.

* Atari Bigby - Safety, Green Bay Packers
* Paul Carrington - Defensive End, Denver Broncos
* Daunte Culpepper - Quarterback, Oakland Raiders
* Steve Edwards - Offensive Tackle, Chicago Bears
* Travis Fisher - Cornerback, Detroit Lions
* Ryan Flinn - Punter, Miami Dolphins
* Doug Gabriel - Wide Receiver, Oakland Raiders
* Michael Gaines - Tight End, Buffalo Bills
* Cornell Green - Offensive Tackle, Oakland Raiders
* Alex Haynes - Running Back, Carolina Panthers
* Darcy Johnson - Tight End, New York Giants
* Brandon Marshall - Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
* Elton Patterson - Defensive End, Jacksonville Jaguars
* Matt Prater - Kicker, Atlanta Falcons
* Asante Samuel - Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles
* Mike Walker - Wide Receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars

[FinNasty23]

Still waiting for that breakdown BlackHawk...

[mediator12]

Fair enough... everyone is entitled to their own opinion...

Now, what about Smith is he poor at that 40 or so other backs are better than him at?

I mean, 40 other backs? I dont even think there are 40 backs better than Graham... let alone Smith.

Please break him down, specifically what you like/dont like about him, and why you dont believe he will be successful.

Kevin is a very talented RB in a really deep class. He certainly has talent. However, the major knock on him is getting caught in the backfield or for no gain. 90 of his 450 runs were for loss or no gain. That is 1/5 carries put you in a bad situation on offense, that will not cut it in the NFL. Besides that, his talent is not as high as others in this draft comparatively when he is graded or against NFL players as MJW stated. He is around the 10th RB rated in this draft alone, but that is due to the incredible depth at the position, and not his skill.

[FinNasty23]

Kevin is a very talented RB in a really deep class. He certainly has talent. However, the major knock on him is getting caught in the backfield or for no gain. 90 of his 450 runs were for loss or no gain. That is 1/5 carries put you in a bad situation on offense, that will not cut it in the NFL. Besides that, his talent is not as high as others in this draft comparatively when he is graded or against NFL players as MJW stated. He is around the 10th RB rated in this draft alone, but that is due to the incredible depth at the position, and not his skill.

First, where did you find that stat? Do you have a link? Its interesting...

And when a RB is hit in the backfield, it more has to do with the oline than the RB. Defenders shouldnt be in the backfield. At worst, the RB should meet the defenders at the LOS. Kevin's line wasnt exactly full of 4-5 star prospects...


And there are not 9 backs in this draft that are better than Smith. There are a bunch of great backs, but Kevin is better than 10th for sure. I have him around 5th-6th... but I'm not as high on some of these speed backs like Felix, Charles, or CJ... as others are...

[Monty'sCircus]

First, where did you find that stat? Do you have a link? Its interesting...

And when a RB is hit in the backfield, it more has to do with the oline than the RB. Defenders shouldnt be in the backfield. At worst, the RB should meet the defenders at the LOS. Kevin's line wasnt exactly full of 4-5 star prospects...


And there are not 9 backs in this draft that are better than Smith. There are a bunch of great backs, but Kevin is better than 10th for sure. I have him around 5th-6th... but I'm not as high on some of these speed backs like Felix, Charles, or CJ... as others are...

or a Rb that does too much dancing in the backfield...

[FinNasty23]

or a Rb that does too much dancing in the backfield...

RBs that dance dont have good vision... and in turn have problems finding the hole. I dont think anyone would question Kevin's vision...

Sometimes, they just arent there though when facing 8-9 in the box almost every play. Thats how it works when facing stacked boxes... it becomes more of an all or nothing type of play.

You either get stuffed... or you find your way to the second level and break off a huge run b/c there are no defenders left back there. Kevin had more 70+ yard TD runs than anyone... and it isnt b/c he is a burner. Its b/c half the time, once he got to the second level, there was no one left to defend since the safeties were already up in the box...

[mediator12]

First, where did you find that stat? Do you have a link? Its interesting...

And when a RB is hit in the backfield, it more has to do with the oline than the RB. Defenders shouldnt be in the backfield. At worst, the RB should meet the defenders at the LOS. Kevin's line wasnt exactly full of 4-5 star prospects...


And there are not 9 backs in this draft that are better than Smith. There are a bunch of great backs, but Kevin is better than 10th for sure. I have him around 5th-6th... but I'm not as high on some of these speed backs like Felix, Charles, or CJ... as others are...

The information is available, but it is not a free site.

As for the implications of that running style, it means 2 things. The first is teams are getting after him, and second he is not good at avoiding first contact. The first is true of the NFL on early running downs as teams regularly get penetration near the POA. Second, Smith lacks elite footspeed and elusiveness in the backfield at the college level. He might have good vision, but he can not always execute it with a player in his face. He also runs a little high and gets some solid hits on him.

Kevin may be better than 1oth, but he does not grade better than that IMHO. He was very productive from an overall perspective, but not on a play by play basis as I stated before. His playing style really reminds me of Ron Dayne who was tremendously productive in college and not able to hit the hole quick enough to make positive yardage in the pros on every play. Does not mean he does not have better football character though and that might just be enough to make him better than Dayne in the pros.

Overall, that is just how I see him on film. Highly productive system Back that needs to show someone his skills translate at the next level.

[FinNasty23]

The information is available, but it is not a free site.

As for the implications of that running style, it means 2 things. The first is teams are getting after him, and second he is not good at avoiding first contact. The first is true of the NFL on early running downs as teams regularly get penetration near the POA. Second, Smith lacks elite footspeed and elusiveness in the backfield at the college level. He might have good vision, but he can not always execute it with a player in his face. He also runs a little high and gets some solid hits on him.

Kevin may be better than 1oth, but he does not grade better than that IMHO. He was very productive from an overall perspective, but not on a play by play basis as I stated before. His playing style really reminds me of Ron Dayne who was tremendously productive in college and not able to hit the hole quick enough to make positive yardage in the pros on every play. Does not mean he does not have better football character though and that might just be enough to make him better than Dayne in the pros.

Overall, that is just how I see him on film. Highly productive system Back that needs to show someone his skills translate at the next level.


lol... if you dont think he can make people miss, you havent watched him much.

His cutting ability and his agility are one of his strengths.


The only thing accurate about that post is that he runs more upright than you would prefer...

[mediator12]

lol... if you dont think he can make people miss, you havent watched him much.

His cutting ability and his agility are one of his strengths.


The only thing accurate about that post is that he runs more upright than you would prefer...

Actually, I have seen him play. And what he lacks is elusiveness to make the first man miss, especially in the backfield as can be seen by the trend of negative runs. You might think he can translate that to the Next level, but I am skeptical. He does well when he has the play set up before him and follows his blockers well.


This is just nitpicking by my part as you asked someone to show you his weaknesses. I said earlier that I liked him overall and he has some real good qualities that outweigh his limitations.

Here is the list of negatives from a scouting site I use:

Negatives: Has decent muscle tone, but lacks ideal frame thickness, especially in the lower body (looks more like a cornerback than running back)...Has had a high amount of carries and while he showed good durability, he needs to have his work load reduced in order to be more effective...Needs to show better vision running through the rush lanes (will run into spots, evident by the fact that he was tackled for losses 41 times and stopped for no gain at the line of scrimmage 48 times in 2007)...When he gets to tall in his pads, defenders have better success pushing him back, as he does not have the lower-body strength to push the pile...Needs to become more creative and adjust quicker to threats when on the move...Runs hard when he keeps his pads down, but is not the type to punish defenders...Shows good acceleration out of his cuts, but is more of a pick-and-slide type than one that can simply explode through the creases...Has decent willingness as a blocker, but is not a contact seeker...Used mostly on slants and screens as a receiver, as he struggles to adjust to the long throws with his back to the quarterback.

[FinNasty23]

Actually, I have seen him play. And what he lacks is elusiveness to make the first man miss, especially in the backfield as can be seen by the trend of negative runs. You might think he can translate that to the Next level, but I am skeptical. He does well when he has the play set up before him and follows his blockers well.


This is just nitpicking by my part as you asked someone to show you his weaknesses. I said earlier that I liked him overall and he has some real good qualities that outweigh his limitations.

Here is the list of negatives from a scouting site I use:

Negatives: Has decent muscle tone, but lacks ideal frame thickness, especially in the lower body (looks more like a cornerback than running back)...Has had a high amount of carries and while he showed good durability, he needs to have his work load reduced in order to be more effective...Needs to show better vision running through the rush lanes (will run into spots, evident by the fact that he was tackled for losses 41 times and stopped for no gain at the line of scrimmage 48 times in 2007)...When he gets to tall in his pads, defenders have better success pushing him back, as he does not have the lower-body strength to push the pile...Needs to become more creative and adjust quicker to threats when on the move...Runs hard when he keeps his pads down, but is not the type to punish defenders...Shows good acceleration out of his cuts, but is more of a pick-and-slide type than one that can simply explode through the creases...Has decent willingness as a blocker, but is not a contact seeker...Used mostly on slants and screens as a receiver, as he struggles to adjust to the long throws with his back to the quarterback.


What website do you use for that stat?

And using a stat like that to make a judgement about his vision is pretty silly. You cant determine vision or ability to make defenders miss based on stats... only film...

Also, could you please tell me how his number compares with the other RBs in his class? How many times were the other top RBs in this class stopped behind the LOS or for no gain?

[FinNasty23]

mediator12?

[mediator12]

What website do you use for that stat?

And using a stat like that to make a judgement about his vision is pretty silly. You cant determine vision or ability to make defenders miss based on stats... only film...

Also, could you please tell me how his number compares with the other RBs in his class? How many times were the other top RBs in this class stopped behind the LOS or for no gain?

The website is NFL Draft Scout. They have the most detailed scouting reports I have found available to the public. I use them to cross check my film studies of players and determine which players I want to find tape between Jan. and March.

Again, making a blanket statement like that is not helping your case as a fan of Smith. The film ALONG with the stats says he struggles to make people miss on the move in the backfield. When 1/5 college carries nets zero or minus yardage that is a valid Pro projection concern. RB's coaches stress positive yardage more than any other coaching point in the NFL. Second and long is the most productive blitzing down and distance and therefore teams try and avoid that at all costs.

As for the rest of the RB's, that may take some time, but I will try to see what I can find. Will not happen today, but I will see what I can Find.

[FinNasty23]

The website is NFL Draft Scout. They have the most detailed scouting reports I have found available to the public. I use them to cross check my film studies of players and determine which players I want to find tape between Jan. and March.

Again, making a blanket statement like that is not helping your case as a fan of Smith. The film ALONG with the stats says he struggles to make people miss on the move in the backfield. When 1/5 college carries nets zero or minus yardage that is a valid Pro projection concern. RB's coaches stress positive yardage more than any other coaching point in the NFL. Second and long is the most productive blitzing down and distance and therefore teams try and avoid that at all costs.

As for the rest of the RB's, that may take some time, but I will try to see what I can find. Will not happen today, but I will see what I can Find.

When you find them... please let me know...

[Sublime]

I think people are over thinking this, single season rushing record:

1) Barry Sanders - 2,628 yards - Hall of Famer, arguably best NFL RB ever
2) Kevin Smith - 2,567 yards
3) Marcus Allen - 2,342 yards - Hall of Famer, 10th in NFL Career rushing yards
4) Troy Davis - 2,185 yards - Bust
5) LaDainian Tomlinson - 2,158 yards - Future Hall of Famer, 5 Pro-bowls

I think people are over analyzing this. There have been thousands of running backs in the past 30 years to play college football. Some at big schools playing with and against big talent, some at small schools playing with and against lesser talent. Of all of those players in various situations these 5 had the most productive single seasons. Based solely on the track record of those other 4, it's probably a worthwhile gamble to pick him up in the 2nd, it's an easy choice in the 3rd.

[mediator12]

I think people are over thinking this, single season rushing record:

1) Barry Sanders - 2,628 yards - Hall of Famer, arguably best NFL RB ever
2) Kevin Smith - 2,567 yards
3) Marcus Allen - 2,342 yards - Hall of Famer, 10th in NFL Career rushing yards
4) Troy Davis - 2,185 yards - Bust
5) LaDainian Tomlinson - 2,158 yards - Future Hall of Famer, 5 Pro-bowls

I think people are over analyzing this. There have been thousands of running backs in the past 30 years to play college football. Some at big schools playing with and against big talent, some at small schools playing with and against lesser talent. Of all of those players in various situations these 5 had the most productive single seasons. Based solely on the track record of those other 4, it's probably a worthwhile gamble to pick him up in the 2nd, it's an easy choice in the 3rd.


I realize that most people want to keep things simple, but simple does not equate to thorough analysis with Draft prospects. With all the work teams do, only a couple hundred players make it more than 3 years from any given draft AND UDFA.

Kevin Smith is a very good RB lost in one of the most talented RB classes I have ever seen. I realize he is a local Florida kid from a local school, so people have seen him more than say, Ray Rice of Rugers, or Matt Forte of Tulane. Sometimes that familiarity makes people get defensive about a guy they really like, but has flaws like every other prospect. He has a solid future, and his yardage production is impressive, but its not the whole story.

[Ken Carson]

Barry Sanders used to get stuffed at the line or for negative yardage a lot too. His rushing line often looked like so:

1 yard loss
3 yard gain
No gain
72 yard gain
4 yard loss
19 yard gain
etc.

[mediator12]

Barry Sanders used to get stuffed at the line or for negative yardage a lot too. His rushing line often looked like so:

1 yard loss
3 yard gain
No gain
72 yard gain
4 yard loss
19 yard gain
etc.

Yes he did. He was one of the greatest of all time. Now, name another NFL player that was anywhere near that talented with that running style and was able to translate that to production on the field. You can not, because Sanders was a once in a lifetime talent.

Any premise is going to have an exception somewhere. Barry Sanders is an unobtainable standard to compare to this premise. NFL teams want players who can get yards after first contact and maintain positive yardage on every carry. DET did not like Barry's losses, but he was so incredibly talented and a home run threat every time he touched the ball there was really nothing they could do about it. Also, DET won one Playoff game in his ten years I believe running that way.

[FinNasty23]

Still waiting for those stats on the other RBs...

I'll go through the play by plays of this season for the other RBs and put it together myself if I have to... but PLEASE save me all that work...

[LJ BuCz 27]

He was completely a non-factor in UCF's bowl game


kid who said that...are you serious???

[mediator12]

Still waiting for those stats on the other RBs...

I'll go through the play by plays of this season for the other RBs and put it together myself if I have to... but PLEASE save me all that work...

It is not going to happen today. I have entirely too much on my plate to do that kind of research right now. Not all the RB's carry stats are available on that site or I would try and get them for you. All I know right now is that several are well below 15% and Smith was at 21%.

[Ken Carson]

Undrafted FA and camp fodder at best. He might make a practice squad on some NFL team. He's jus tto raw a talent at this point.

I noticed you're still posting in this forum, and all of it is on how poorly the Bucs drafted. I'm really questioning your ability to gauge talent when a guy you claim is UFA material is taken with the first selection of round three.

[NoAlibi]

Undrafted FA and camp fodder at best. He might make a practice squad on some NFL team. He's jus tto raw a talent at this point.

you can't be serious...

[buccsmf1]

Undrafted FA and camp fodder at best. He might make a practice squad on some NFL team. He's jus tto raw a talent at this point.

ya i really wish mods could ban people for stupidity.

[mediator12]

Hey Finnasty23,

I am still working on those numbers for you. The site crashed due to heavy demand and they now owe me some figures for you :D

Hopefully, they will get them soon, I have not forgotten but they were also a little busy with the draft. Congrats to Kevin though, he got top billing on day 2 and he deserved it. DET will have a major need for RB right now, so he might have the best opportunity of any of the second tier guys right off the bat to start.