Harrison Smith

Notre Dame Safety Harrison Smith had an impressive combine. However, most experts have not changed his position on the big board too radically. Smith is roundly regarded as the second-best safety behind Alabama's Mark Barron, but apparently it is not that close between them.

#22 Harrison Smith

Barron has played his way into the top-15, and nothing is going to change that. His hernia injury kept him out of the combine, but this may have actually helped to keep his talents shrouded in mystery. Regardless, the tape on Barron checks out, and he is likely to be a top player in the NFL.

Smith has continued to impress, but he cannot seem to crack into the 1st round. There seems to be a bias that Barron is the ONLY Safety worthy of a first round pick, despite his absence at the combine.  Indeed, Harrison Smith was not the top performer in any category, and he did not shatter his expected times.  

It was said on ESPN insider that he would need to post a 4.50 or lower in the 40 to crack the top-32.  Smith came close with a 4.57.  Likewise, he was solid, fluid, and consistent in all of his drills. He posted 19 reps of 225lbs in the bench press.  He showed smooth hip transition in the 3 cone drill with a 6.63, which ranked fifth among all DBs. He also sped to a 4.12 in the 20 yard shuttle, leapt to a 122 inch broad jump, and a 34 inch vertical.  Overall, Smith is a solid athlete that is consistent and technically sound in his drills.  He ended the combine with an overall grade of 84.5.

Scouts Inc.'s Steve Muench was impressed with Smith, and had this to say:

Notre Dame S Harrison Smith stood out during drills. At 6-2 and 213 pounds, he may not have elite hip fluidity, but everything is smooth and under control. There's even more to like about the way he played the ball and his potential to develop into a playmaker. He is a natural pass catcher with big hands (10¼) and long arms (32) for a safety prospect.

Smith is a pretty good fit at both Safety positions, and this will help his stock in the eyes of the Patriots. He looks to be a very coachable individual who could come in and contribute immediately. I expect the Patriots to select him at #31 because his stock could rise a bit considering the lack of Safety depth in the draft. I think it would be risky to wait until #48, and so I think that the Patriots will select him at #31 or will trade #31 away to move into an early second round slot like #36. This of course will give the Patriots another late round pick to play with.

#27 - Offensive Lineman - C - Peter Konz
#31 - Harrison Smith/Trade Down
#33-40 - Harrison Smith
#48 - Best Tall WR Available
#63 - TE/WR
#94 - project pick - front seven OLB/DE
6th round acquired from #31 trade - DB/WR that will contribute on special teams