Ainias Smith 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• As a high school senior, Smith threw two touchdown passes, rushed for 10 touchdowns, caught 10 touchdowns, returned a kickoff or a touchdown, recorded three interceptions on defense, and scored a defensive touchdown. 
• In 2021, Smith earned the Offensive Attitude Award, Offensive Skill Award, Special Teams Most Impactful Award, and Top Conditioned Athlete honors

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Zone run scheme, spread passing
• 2022 projected role: Multifaceted weapon 

Pros: Ainias Smith has proven himself as a multifaceted weapon for the Aggies, making an impact as a runner, receiver, and returner. Smith is dangerous with the ball in his hands, where his burst, twitch, low center of gravity, and balance lead to his share of dynamic plays. He’s the type of player that should be prioritized for manufactured touches and opportunities in space to create for himself. For a team that likes to build concepts off jet motion, Smith can be an asset to that layer of the offense. Smith is a strong separator from the slot where he does well to sell vertical push and snap through hard breaks to create leverage and get open. He is a highly-competitive player that brings the fight as a blocker and competes for yards on the field after contact. 

Cons: For all the versatility that Ainias Smith offers, his ability to win on the line of scrimmage out wide is a concern. He must develop his release package and prove his ability to play through contact. Unfortunately, drops have been a challenge for Smith. He doesn’t showcase the ability to consistently extend his catch radius and pluck the football away from his frame. When adjustments to the ball are required, there is variance in the results at the catch point.

Ainias Smith NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino