Durham Smythe

Despite being relatively productive in high school, Notre Dame was never able to apply his athleticism to their offensive production. The lone Senior Bowl invite for the Fighting Irish, Smythe is primed to be a more productive NFL player than collegiate student/athlete. Since Brian Kelly has taken over as Head Coach at Notre Dame in 2010, there have been four tight ends selected in the NFL Draft that includes Kyle Rudolph (2011), Tyler Eifert (2013), Troy Niklas (2014) and Ben Koyack (2015). Smythe should be vying for a spot late on day two of the NFL Draft or early on day three. The beneficial point of view for Smythe is he learned a lot of interior blocking at Notre Dame, which should increase his overall stock moving forward. This is where an opportunity to run routes and perform up close in front of NFL personnel at the Senior Bowl, helps peel backs the layers of Smythe's potential. His senior season total of 15 receptions, are two more than in his three previous seasons at Notre Dame. The 15 catches in his final season went on average for 18.8 yards per reception. While far from staggering statistics he did maximize his opportunities. His junior year he caught nine passes but four of them were for touchdowns. BACKGROUND He caught 37 passes for 547 yards and six TDs as senior in 2012 at Belton High School in Belton, Texas Helped Tigers to 6-4 record as senior on team that averaged 31.6 points per game. One of two tight ends on Waco Tribune-Herald Top 50 and was rated number two on Waco Tribune-Herald list of Central Texas prospects for 2012. He was also a two-time first-team tight end on Texas District 8-5A squad in 2012 and 2011. Smythe was rated as the sixth tight end nationally by 247Sports and 15th tight end by Rivals. Texas High School Coaches Association named him to its all-state academic first team for 2012. He caught 22 passes as junior in 2011 for 341 yards and three touchdowns along with three two-point conversion throws. He added eight receptions for 120 yards and two TDs as a sophomore in 2010. Smythe played defensive end as a high school freshman before moving to tight end. Father Roy was offensive lineman on 1980 Baylor Southwest Conference champion football squad. Played for coach Rodney Southern. Son of Roy and Terri Smythe. He graduated in May 2017 with a degree in sociology from the College of Arts and Letters.

in our view

Every player approaches this next phase of their draft journey with different pros and cons to their ability. Smythe is one of the players who should benefit from being stripped of any team confinements and reveal his individual talents. The Senior Bowl was the first obstacle he passed with passing grades. Individual drills, shall the opportunity arise at the Scouting Combine, could really propel Smythe, who is coming off a great week at the Senior Bowl.

strengths

Passes the eyeball test, and looks the part of an NFL tight end. He revealed body control and sure hands during Senior Bowl practices and game. Smythe has very long arms and catches away from his body. He appears to have a good grasp on blocking angles and positioning. He can block in-line or on the move effectively. Witty enough in limited targets to exploit windows in coverage and knows how to get open, which is evident in his whopping 18.8 yard per reception in 2017. In six of his 13 games played his senior season, Smythe has receptions of 20-plus yards. The ability to stretch a defense resides in his ability. - Bo Marchionte 1/29/2018

compares to

Tyler Kroft, Bengals - Kroft was a better overall prospect leaving Rutgers in 2015, but there are similarities between the two tight ends. Kroft was able to display his catching prowess in college and develop his blocking game over time. Smythe has skill set to become a consistent and reliable target next level, while his blocking ability gets him by early in his NFL career.

weaknesses

Smythe was limited for most of his sophomore season and missed 10 games over the course of his Notre Dame career. His lack of production should bare some concern and allow NFL Scouting departments to delve into the specifics on why the Fighting Irish elected to not use his skill set in the passing game. He is adequate but not great in-line blocker, better on the move and blocking in space, rather than close to the line of scrimmage. He lacks that ability to destroy opponents and blow them off the ball. He'll need to refine his route running. - Bo Marchionte 1/29/2018

Caught 37 passes for 547 yards and six TDs as senior in 2012 at Belton High School in Belton, Texas

helped Tigers to 6-4 record as senior on team that averaged 31.6 points per game

one of two tight ends on Waco Tribune-Herald Top 50

rated number two on Waco Tribune-Herald list of Central Texas prospects for 2012

two-time first-team tight end on Texas District 8-5A squad in 2012 and 2011

rated sixth tight end nationally by 247Sports and 15th tight end by Rivals

Rivals rates him 40th among state of Texas prospects

ranked 188th on 247Sports list of top 247 players

ranked 170th overall and sixth among tight ends on Scout 300 by Scout.com

Texas High School Coaches Association named him to its all-state academic first team for 2012

caught 22 passes as junior in 2011 for 341 yards and three TDs and also caught three two-point conversion throws

added eight receptions for 120 yards and two TDs as a sophomore in 2010

played defensive end as a high school freshman before moving to tight end

father Roy was offensive lineman on 1980 Baylor Southwest Conference champion football squad

played for coach Rodney Southern.

Son of Roy and Terri Smythe

Graduated in May 2017 with a degree in sociology from the College of Arts and Letters.

2017

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
15.0	16.3	1.0	33.0	244.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	3.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	3.0

kickReturns
LONG	YDS	NO	TD	AVG
0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0

2016

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
9.0	12.4	4.0	31.0	112.0

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
0.0	0.0	1.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0

2015

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
3.0	6.0	1.0	7.0	18.0