A Potential Atlanta Falcon Draft Pick: Aldon Smith

by Dave Choate on Mar 20, 2011 1:00 PM EDT in Falcons News

As Aldon Smith starts to attract more and more attention in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft, he's starting to crop up on some Atlanta Falcons mock drafts, most notably D. Orlando Ledbetter at the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Given that, it seems like an excellent time to start taking a closer look at Smith.

NFL.com's Gil Brandt believes that based on talent alone, Smith should be a first round pick, one likely going in the 11-20 range. As he notes, the depth of the defensive end class in this draft could end up sending a couple of deserving guys tumbling, so it's certainly within the realm of possibility that Smith will make it all the way to 27.

So what's to like about him?

The first coherent word out of a scout's mouth when talking about Aldon Smith is likely to be "wingspan." He's got an 84-inch set of wings, making him like a large, quarterback-sacking bird of prey of some kind. If only the proper name would come to me!

But besides his wingspan, Smith's claim to fame is his athleticism and his insane junior season. In 2009 for Missouri, the 6"4", 260+ pounder racked up 11.5 sacks. He did so by virtue of exploding after the snap and basically blowing by guys, though he's strong enough to make your average offensive tackle shuffle. That sheer explosiveness is what makes scouts drool over him in the end, as he looks lightning fast for a DE in both drills and on game tape.

In 2010 he wasn't quite as productive, losing his last three games to a leg injury and finishing up with a total of 6 sacks. Though that was a bit of a disappointment, it's done little to dent his draft stock, and if he makes it through 32 teams without hearing his name come the first day of the draft, I will eat my shoes.

Would the Falcons take him? He'd have to be there first, but as a defensive end with pass-rushing chops, he'd seem to fit the bill perfectly. We should hear in the next couple of weeks if the Falcons are linked to him in any definitive way, but let's just say I wouldn't be surprised if Thomas Dimitroff was doing more than a little homework on Aldon Smith about now.

Your thoughts?

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This won't happen

by Fear Me on Mar 20, 2011 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

I like the kid

I’m just not sure he’ll be around when Atlanta picks. He has a lot of the characteristics you would want in a player and seems to be a good guy as well. I just happen to think that one of the 3-4 teams will take him as a rush OLB. Personal I would hope Atlanta takes a good hard look at him but I would prefer Adrian Clayborn.
I side with Adrian because he offers great leadership and he is strong enough to be the full time player in our defense. Plus, I like the idea of switching Kroy over to the left and letting him sdpell Abe. That would also give Atlanta the chance to move Sidburry into a primary backup role on the right side where his abilities can be most effective.

by FalconsFan721 on Mar 20, 2011 1:08 PM EDT reply actions

He reminds me of JA98

Insane physical talent and and comparable build. However, he may actually be able to reach him potential. He probably won’t be there when we pick but I would be slightly wary if we picked him.

by saipol on Mar 20, 2011 1:43 PM EDT reply actions

That is a fair comparison

What I will say is that Clayborn has a natural leadership ability that Anderson did not have. I also think he is much stronger than Jamaal which could help him get to the qb easier.

by FalconsFan721 on Mar 20, 2011 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Smith and Houston are about the same size

So that will be an issue for some people.

From CBS Sports, http://rob-rang.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/13682485/27951654:

The first source, who works for a club operating out of 3-4 base defense, thought that Smith looked “fantastic.” He cited Smith’s “explosive burst, acceleration and potential to be a big sucker once he grows into his body.” The source envisioned Smith as a 3-4 rush linebacker who “absolutely should” go off the board in the middle to late portion of the first round.

The second source, scouting for a team with a four man front, wasn’t nearly as impressed with Smith’s workout. He called the workout “just average” and felt that it proved his limitations as strictly a 4-3 defensive end due to the fact that he “can’t bend.” The source referred back to a “disappointing” Combine workout from Smith in which the Tiger pass rusher was “one of the slowest DL in the shuttle.”

Smith, for the record, registered a 4.59 and 4.50 in the short shuttle, designed to test change of direction and burst. His average ranked 16th out of the 20 DL tested in this drill at the Combine.

by mwalex on Mar 20, 2011 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

Why the love affair with Mizzou players ?

….only thing I can figure is that they’re still mad they didn’t draft Ziggy Hood instead of Perea Jerry, and they’re going to snap up any and all Tigers going forward…..
….Moore and Meriwether aren’t bad players, but I’d rather get players from the top schools as opposed to the also-rans……

by jkaflagg on Mar 20, 2011 7:18 PM EDT reply actions

Meriwether?

I believe you mean Weatherspoon…. And I’m a little intrigued by this concept myself. It’s not like Missouri is known for having a great defense. In fact, as a team in the Big 12 (or whatever it is being called now), I figure defense is not something anyone is really known for. Typically it’s the high-powered offenses and big-name quarterbacks (Bradford, McCoy, Gabbert, Daniel) that garner all the attention in the Big 12. Personally, I don’t think the guy will be available when we pick. But he is worth considering in my opinion.

"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham

by sportsfan4life2012 on Mar 20, 2011 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions