NFL Draft Profile: Tyreke Smith, Defensive End, Ohio State Buckeyes
#11
Pos: DE
Ht: 6033
Wt: 254
Hand: 1048
Arm: 3328
Wing: 8100
40: 4.86
Vertical: 34
Broad Jump: 0909
DOB: 2/14/00
Eligible: 2022
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Heights High School
Tyreke Smith
Ohio State Buckeyes
Pros:
Tyreke Smith has a long frame, suited for playing defensive end. He plays quick at the line of scrimmage with a fast get-off. Smith is an extremely efficient run defender because of his strong hands that he plays with. He is able to pop and extend at the point of attack, then rip off blocks to make a play on the ball. His base is usually wide and well-leveraged to make sure his balance is on point throughout the rep. Even though he has struggled as a pass rusher, he still shows the advanced ability to use many different methods in his pass rush attack. Smith shows a good understanding to throw his hands up into passing lanes to disrupt the quarterback. His best form of pass rushing comes with converting speed to power, utilizing good leg drive. Has experience contributing on the punt return and field goal block special teams.
Cons:
As a pass rusher, Smith has struggled to make an impact throughout his collegiate career. He lacks the speed and flexibility to effectively rush the passer around the edge. He rarely gets bend when he attacks the outside shoulder. In order to get more pressure, he needs improve his foot speed and flexibility. His functional strength is subpar. Furthermore, he really has a hard time against bigger offensive linemen who can overwhelm him with raw strength. As he gets into the backfield, he lacks the closing speed to finish off plays as well. He is a very predictable player for offensive lineman to prepare for.
Summary:
Tyreke Smith has been a mainstay in the Ohio State defensive end rotation for the past four seasons. He has a long frame and plays with strong hands at the line of scrimmage. Both his hands and length makes him a solid run defender. As a pass rusher, he lacks the speed and flexibility to efficiently get any sort of pressure on the quarterback. Smith may finid it hard to carve out a formidable role in the NFL because of his lack of athleticism and pass rush ability. At the very least, he is a scheme-versatile player who can contribute as a run defender.
Background:
Hometown is Cleveland, Ohio. Four-star recruit according to 247Sports. Was ranked as the 4th weakside defensive end in the country and the 3rd best overall player from the state of Ohio. Also the 34th overall player in his class in the nation. Also played tight end in high school. Named the 2017 Cleveland.com Defensive Player of the Year. All-Ohio Division I Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Played basketball and was his team’s leading scorer and rebounder. Parents are Michelle and Randy Smith. Has three siblings including two brothers, Dominique and Malik, and sister, Kayla.
One-Liners
Lamattina: Tyreke Smith offers a baseline set of skills with a good frame combined with sublime explosiveness and power. He will be a solid contributor at the next level.
Grades
Current Player Value/Potential Player Value
7.7 / 8.0
Floor/Ceiling: Special Teams / Rotational
Scheme Fit: 4-3 DE/3-4 OLB
Grade: 6th Round
Injury History: Battled through groin injury in 2018. Missed three games in 2019 to undergo surgery. Missed three games in 2021 with an injury.
Character Notes: N/A
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