From now until the 2019 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
Kaden Smith /Stanford TE – 6’5” 253 lbs.
The Good
– Good catch radius, contorts to bad throws
– Fights for the ball with reach and position
– Can sky high for the pigskin and is a red zone threat
– Willing to work in the middle of the field while getting hit
– Strong, soft hands
– Lines up inline, wingback, in the slot or split out wide
The Bad
– Needs a free release to do most damage
– Does not have much lower body power, gets more in defender’s way, than move them around
– One gear runner, neither slow nor fast
– Can get bullied in contested catch situations
– Doesn’t create much separation
– Gets knocked off routes to easily
Bio
– All Pac-12 second team
– 2018 Mackey Award finalist
– Played in 20 games between his sophomore and junior seasons catching 70 passes for 1,049 yards and 7 touchdowns
– Four star recruit for scout, rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN
– Former high school basketball player
Tape Breakdown
Lined up as the wingback on a 2nd and 7, at the snap Smith shoots out low to seal off the backside Duck outside linebacker.