Preston Smith wasn’t on my top 50 prospects before the draft mainly because I viewed him as a tweener. He is too small to be a 3-4 defensive end and not quick enough to be a traditional 3-4 outside linebacker. That would make him a 4-3 defensive end which the Redskins have no need of.
Since the draft, however, Smith has lost some weight and may be down from 271 pounds to about 260-265 pounds. If he maintains his strength and gains quickness, he could become a starting outside linebacker for the Redskins over time. For now, he will be playing many roles for the team.