Nov 15, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tackle Donovan Smith (76) during the second quarter against the Temple Owls at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Temple 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
9. Donovan Smith – Penn State – 6’6″, 338 lbs – 34 3/8″ arms – 26 bench press reps
Donovan Smith should have gone back for his senior season at Penn State. Smith may still get drafted as early as the second round, but I think with a little more seasoning he could have found himself as one of the top tackles in next year’s draft. There’s technically only one game available for Smith at draftbreakdown (vs Randy Gregory and Nebraska), but I was able to watch him again against Michigan State by clicking on Trae Waynes game against Penn State.
Smith is physically impressive looking. He’s a big dude who moves well. He clearly has some power and showed some push in the run game, but he’s not in the same league as guys like Brandon Scherff or La’el Collins. I think Smith has some long-term upside and even if he was never able to become a great edge pass blocker I think he could be successful inside at guard because of his size and power.
Don’t just take my word for it…..
From Dane Brugler’s Draft Guide:
"… upper body power to overwhelm rushers with a bully mentality, punching in pass protection and driving bodies out of the play in the run game…possesses balanced girth and isn’t an easy object to move … flashes a highly competitive on-field demeanor and can be a mean son of a gun when he wants to be."
Final Verdict:
Donovan Smith is definitely a possible bully in the making. I’d be happy with the Chiefs taking him in the second or third round and think he could compete to start at RT as a rookie.