Draft Profile - Onterrio Smith - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Board

**crizpynutz** · #1 (**permalink**) 03-04-2003, 10:38 PM

Onterrio Smith
HB, Oregon
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 220 lbs.
40-yard: 4.48

Inside running: Lacks great size, but runs big and is slippery inside. Stays low to the ground, maintaining good pad level. Has terrific change-of-direction skills, and picks and slides in the hole without losing much momentum. Has above-average vision, good burst to the hole and shows patience. Doesn't break many tackles, and won't overpower many defenders. Grade: 7.7

Outside running: Might be the fastest back in this class. Has the speed to consistently turn the corner. Is a threat to go the distance with every touch. Shows great open-field acceleration. Is elusive and fluid. Makes defenders miss. Grade: 8.1

Blocking: Shows a good feel for assignments. Shuffles well laterally and gets in position to pick up blitzes. Has good footwork and can be an effective roll blocker. Is at his best when he chips blitzers outside. Lacks the size, power and lower-body strength to hold his ground against powerful rushes. Is much more effective off play-action and as a receiver than as an extra blocker. Grade: 7.0

Hands/routes: Is quite effective on play fakes. A daunting open-field receiver, has the speed and quickness to run routes out of the slot. Lacks experience here -- only 21 catches the past two seasons -- but has terrific upside. Grade: 7.8

Durability: The biggest area of concern. Runs with a low center of gravity and protects his body, but is undersized and has had problems staying healthy. Missed three games because of a knee injury in 2002 and had shoulder trouble in the past. Grade: 7.0

Bottom line: Smith needed to leave Tennessee for Oregon after off-the-field problems and a lack of commitment. Outside the intangible and injury questions, Smith is a solid first-day pick with big-play potential. Only 205 pounds, he runs more like a 225 pounder. Smith shows good vision and elusiveness; he has breakaway speed and would be a great fit in a spread offense. He is also a proven kickoff returner. Smith will likely be drafted in the second round.

DarthRaider · #2 (**permalink**) 03-04-2003, 11:00 PM

Crizpy, that's not a bad bio. Plenty of upside with this kid. The off-field problems with Tenn. don't bother me any. I mean hell, we're the Raiders!!! We're used to a little off field problem here and there...

daraydaz · #3 (**permalink**) 03-04-2003, 11:30 PM

Seems like he would be a good change of pace back but not someone who can be counted on for 20-25 carries a game. Personally, I'd rather see us go after a Lee Suggs or Mcgahee or pass on a rb altogether this year and maybe look to next year's draft.

**crizpynutz** · #4 (**permalink**) 03-05-2003, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by daraydaz
Seems like he would be a good change of pace back but not someone who can be counted on for 20-25 carries a game. Personally, I'd rather see us go after a Lee Suggs or Mcgahee or pass on a rb altogether this year and maybe look to next year's draft.

I wouldn't mind passing on one for the most part. McGahee has the most potential but do we want to really take on a guy with his baggage? I'd maybe take a flier on someone after the 3rd round and see what happens. Otherwise, next year might be a better year for HB's.

daraydaz · #5 (**permalink**) 03-05-2003, 02:15 AM

Yeah maybe Maurice Clarett will declare early.

Seriously, depending on which rb's we resign, I'm having a good feeling about Olandis Gary. I think a change of scenery might do him some good and he won't cost much.

**crizpynutz** · #6 (**permalink**) 03-05-2003, 04:29 AM

Gary would be an interesting pickup. Cross division rivals player, runs well with speed and power up the middle. Decent hands and still pretty young. He's not a dominating RB, but as a backup he would provide some good insurance and a good breather for Charlie. It all depends on what role he wants and how much money. Bottom line at RB is we are going to sign a backup for Garner who doesn't break the bank. Age won't matter.

RaiderBlitz · #7 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by daraydaz
Seems like he would be a good change of pace back but not someone who can be counted on for 20-25 carries a game. Personally, I'd rather see us go after a Lee Suggs or Mcgahee or pass on a rb altogether this year and maybe look to next year's draft.

I agree, overall this is a poor class. I would like us to pick up Faine at Center/Guard. When the first round of FA is done I think we will have filled S, DT, DE. If we want a WR we need to get one this year because some of the best that would be avalible next year made themselves avalible this year. RB are thin and would be better to wait.