Za'Darius Smith

Considering he didn't play the sport until 2010, Smith is a terrific transformation story, cutting his teeth at the JUCO level before impressing for two seasons in the SEC (despite not earning All-SEC honors either season). He has a NFL frame and wingspan with heavy hands to set the edge and bully blockers, but needs work with his technique to better maximize his physical tools. Although he has the quicks and motor for the next level, Smith needs to better collect himself on the move to break down in space and allow his momentum to catch up with his eyes. Along with the physical skill-set, he has the competitive nature needed for the position, projecting as 4-3 base DE with starter potential. Smith focused on basketball much of his life and hoped to play collegiately on the hardcourt, but realized that was probably unlikely as a junior in high school. Although he didn't have any experience on the gridiron, he went to the football coach and joined the team as a defensive end just weeks before his senior season. Smith accepted a football scholarship to East Mississippi Community College where he starred for two seasons and developed his game. He turned himself into a four-star JUCO recruit and received offers from Florida State, Miami (Fla.) and Texas, but decided to follow former Seminoles defensive coordinator Mark Stoops when he became the head coach at Kentucky. Smith started 12 games as a junior in 2013, finishing third on the team in tackles (59) and second in sacks (6.0). He flirted with the idea of entering the NFL Draft early, but returned for his senior season and posted similar statistics in 2014 with 61 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

strengths

Tall, long and broad-shouldered with solid build on his frame, looking the part of a NFL defensive end. Initial burst out of his stance to win the edge and surprise blockers with quickness. Core power and length to set the edge with heavy hands and upper body strength to shock blockers at the point of attack. Aggressive swat/swim moves with active hands to work off blockers and keep himself free. Improved eye use to locate and track quickly, rarely losing sight of the ball. Stays assignment sound and rarely take himself out of plays. Physical striker and reliable tackler, using his length to wrap and finish. Only average speed, but terrific effort each snap and fights through the whistle. Fiery competitor and plays with a passionate demeanor, always fired up. Versatile experience as an edge rusher at both left and right end, also lining up inside as a 3-tech tackle. Football bloodlines with an older brother (OL Bob Meeks) and cousin (DT Davern Williams) who played in the NFL. Toughed out an ankle injury late in the 2014 season, missing three quarters against Georgia, but returned following week. Always smiling and carry himself with a positive attitude and the coaches talk highly about his growth, both physically and mentally.

weaknesses

Adequate initial quickness to run the arc, but needs to better control his momentum. Wild pursuit angles, struggling to stop his momentum on a dime and redirect at full speed. Has some stiff, rigid movements in space. Can be driven backwards and needs to improve his high pad level to play with better leverage and anchor. Routinely pops upright and needs to better protect himself vs. cut blocks. Needs to show more creativity and better shoulder dip as an edge rusher, not fooling blockers with his current bag of tricks. Plays high so he tends to hit high, which leads to helmet hits and smaller ballcarriers breaking free. Still relatively new to the game and learning the details of the position.

A relative latecomer to the game as he grew up playing basketball at Greenville (Ala.) High School and didn't begin playing football until his senior year

Coached at Greenville by Ben Blackmon.

Born in Montgomery, Ala.

Son of Sharon Smith and Robert Meeks

Major is community and leadership development

Comes from an athletic family

An older brother, Bob Meeks, played center at Auburn from 1988-91 and for the NFL's Denver Broncos

A cousin, Davern Williams, played at Troy and for the NFL's New York Giants

A niece, Kristi Mokube, played basketball at Florida State.