NFL Draft: Tulsa Will Have Another First-Round Pick

Hot Take Tuesday: Tulsa left tackle Tyler Smith will be a first-round pick. Click here to read more about the Golden Hurricane's top prospect.

Jack Borowsky | Jan 11, 2022

NFL Draft: Tulsa Will Have Another First-Round Pick /

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Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Hot Take Tuesday: Tulsa left tackle Tyler Smith will be a first-round pick

In 2020, arguably the biggest defensive riser in all of college football was Zaven Collins out of Tulsa. Collins was one of the top players on a talented Tulsa defense, but he took his game to the next level, resulting in the Cardinals selecting him 16th overall in the draft. That marked the first time since 1977 that Tulsa had a player drafted in the first round.

It's not out of the question that the Golden Hurricanes have another player selected in the first round this season if redshirt sophomore left tackle Tyler Smith declares. The buzz surrounding Smith has grown steadily, but he could have a meteoric rise once scouts get to fully break down his film.

After sitting for the first nine games of his freshman campaign in 2019, Smith played in the final four contests and started two of them in 2020. In 203 snaps, Smith gave up only one pressure, a rare feat for a true freshman. After a dominant performance against East Carolina to end the season, it was clear that Smith would be the left tackle moving forward for Tulsa.

Against Oklahoma State in Week 1 of the 2020 season, it was clear that Collins was the best player on the Golden Hurricane defense, but Smith was just as good on the opposite side of the field. Smith gave up only one pressure and consistently pancaked defenders throughout the game. He displayed excellent footwork, balance and play strength against the Pokes. Smith put together teach-tape in only his third start, against a very good Big 12 pass rush. His elite play continued all season long, as Smith didn't give up a sack all year and only eight total pressures.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE SCOUTING REPORT ON TYLER SMITH

What stood out the most on Smith's redshirt freshman film was that he played his best against the best. Cincinnati edge rusher Myjai Sanders, who will be a top-100 pick this year, got bullied by Smith on almost every rep when they went against each other. Sanders would try to beat him with speed, but Smith would get out in front of him and then use his athleticism and very good technique to push him outside the pocket. Whenever Sanders tried to bull-rush Smith, he went nowhere; Smith's play strength is that impressive.

Based on his redshirt film alone, Smith looked like a future top-75 pick and starting left tackle in the league. Smith didn't disappoint in 2021, especially in the second half of the season, which was exceptional. None of the edge rushers he faced could do anything against him. In 300 more snaps than 2020, Smith gave up only nine pressures.

In terms of his next-level projection, Smith can stay at left tackle, kick inside to guard or even play right tackle. He came to Tulsa and contributed from Day 1, and that ability to learn on the fly should translate to the next level. Smith has put together two straight years of first-round film. He has elite play strength and a mauling mentality to finish plays that coaches love. Not to mention, to produce the way he has as such a young player is hard to find. Once Smith fully figures out how to maximize his natural ability, the sky's the limit. The talent is there for him to be a first-round pick and develop into a Pro-Bowl caliber offensive lineman.

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