Keith Smith of Purdue ~ 6.2/225
"A tall, thickly built wideout who looks more like an undersized tight end when lined up on the outside. Isn't real explosive off the snap and isn't a guy who can quickly get on top of corners and eat up the cushion. However, he is a coordinated athlete who does a nice job setting up his routes, cleanly changing directions and getting out of his breaks, using his big frame to shield defenders from the football. Knows how to hold onto the football in traffic and exhibits some shiftiness to his game with the ball in his hands. Displays the agility to initially make a man miss and attack up the field.
Now, isn't real sudden or explosive vs. press coverage when lined up on the outside. Tends to try to loop around corners, consistently taking unnecessary steps and can be slow to get into his route. However, is at his best when asked to be physical from the slot, make his way down the field and go up and get the football. Is an explosive leaper who looks natural going up at the highest point, fending off corners and coming down with the catch. Needs to do a better job plucking the football more consistently on throws that are on target, as he too often lets the ball get into his frame, but he has the skill set to consistently go get the football. Exhibits a good feel vs. zone coverage, knows how to sit down in soft spots and consistently is working his way back toward the QB.
Impression: Possesses great size and overall body control for the position. Isn't a guy who has the ability to consistently beat press coverage and make a living on the outside at the next level. But offers enough to be a big slot man who can make a roster and move the chains over the middle on third down."
Now, isn't real sudden or explosive vs. press coverage when lined up on the outside. Tends to try to loop around corners, consistently taking unnecessary steps and can be slow to get into his route. However, is at his best when asked to be physical from the slot, make his way down the field and go up and get the football. Is an explosive leaper who looks natural going up at the highest point, fending off corners and coming down with the catch. Needs to do a better job plucking the football more consistently on throws that are on target, as he too often lets the ball get into his frame, but he has the skill set to consistently go get the football. Exhibits a good feel vs. zone coverage, knows how to sit down in soft spots and consistently is working his way back toward the QB.
Impression: Possesses great size and overall body control for the position. Isn't a guy who has the ability to consistently beat press coverage and make a living on the outside at the next level. But offers enough to be a big slot man who can make a roster and move the chains over the middle on third down."
"Bio: Former defensive back who's been a starter the past two seasons. Played in just two games as a senior, posting 18/123 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. All-Conference selection as a junior when he led Purdue in receiving with totals of 91/1100/6.
Positive: Big, strong possession receiver still learning the position. Uses his frame to shield away opponents, comes back to the ball or into the clearing to make himself an available target, and displays good eye/hand coordination. Exposes himself to the big hit in order to come to the reception. Extends his hands and makes difficult catches in a crowd. Works hard running after the catch to pick up positive yardage. Gives effort blocking downfield.
Negative: Doesn E(TM)t get off the line quickly enough. Marginal route runner. Shows minimal burst in his game.
Analysis: Smith was a prospect on the rise before suffering his season-ending knee injury last year. He's a prototypical possession receiver with the size and hands to fill that role at the next level. He lacked speed and quickness even before his injury and must show he E(TM)s back to prior form in camp this summer for any chance to make a roster."
Positive: Big, strong possession receiver still learning the position. Uses his frame to shield away opponents, comes back to the ball or into the clearing to make himself an available target, and displays good eye/hand coordination. Exposes himself to the big hit in order to come to the reception. Extends his hands and makes difficult catches in a crowd. Works hard running after the catch to pick up positive yardage. Gives effort blocking downfield.
Negative: Doesn E(TM)t get off the line quickly enough. Marginal route runner. Shows minimal burst in his game.
Analysis: Smith was a prospect on the rise before suffering his season-ending knee injury last year. He's a prototypical possession receiver with the size and hands to fill that role at the next level. He lacked speed and quickness even before his injury and must show he E(TM)s back to prior form in camp this summer for any chance to make a roster."
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