Draft Profile - Musa Smith

[crizpynutz]

Musa Smith
RB, Georgia

Strengths: Is a pick-and-slide runner. Has adequate straight-line speed and good inside-running skills. Shows good initial burst out of his stance and gets to the line quickly. Finds the cutback lanes. Does well at stopping and starting before reaching the line. Has good size. Shows good body lean. Is tough to tackle in the open field because he runs hard with leverage. Has good body control. Changes directions without losing much momentum. Is an average pass blocker. Adjusts to pick up blitzers. Has good size and maintains leverage at the point of attack.

Weaknesses: Has adequate straight-line speed, but not much of a second gear. Isn't nearly as productive running outside as he is inside. Can't consistently turn the corner. Isn't elusive in the open field and isn't much of a big-play threat. Runs with a good center of gravity and has good power, but doesn't push the pile. Has so-so hands. Catches balls thrown within his frame, especially when facing the quarterback. Isn't a great route runner, however, and doesn't consistently catch passes on the run or away from his body. Has short arms and struggles when he must reach for the ball. Durability is a concern. Missed two games with a knee injury as freshman, most of spring practice that year with a broken foot, four games with a hip flexor as sophomore and spring practice again the next year with a groin injury. Hasn't sustained any serious injuries, but is constantly banged up.

Bottom line: Smith, after staying healthy for an entire season and knowing the Bulldogs' top six linemen were not returning, was wise in opting to leave Georgia as a junior. He has many intriguing physical tools, including good size, adequate speed and above-average power. There are concerns about his durability and lack of elusiveness, but Smith has the potential to develop into an every-down NFL back. He will likely slip to the third round.

[daraydaz]

Given the good history of RB's from Georgia, I say he would be a good mid-round pick up. A lot of your better rb's don't have blazing open field speed so that doesn't bother me so much. I like his size and tackle breaking abilities and since we have a lot of receiving options, pass catching isn't a priority

[Raidahs7]

In my opinion, I just have a feeling he is another Ron Dayne waiting to happen....just what I think. Like the profile said, it's a good thing he came out just as UGA's o-line is coming out....injury prone too, that concerns me.