2022 Raiders Draft Prospect: LB Brandon Smith

2022 Raiders Prospect Profile
Name: Brandon Smith
Position: Linebacker
School: Penn State
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 240 pounds
Stats

Run Stopping

Smith does not fear the A or B gap. Meaning, he shoots those gaps to stop the run. Facing interior linemen doesn’t unsettle him. Instead, the speed helps him slip through. Equally important, from the boundary, Smith knifes through screens, beating the lineman to the edge to stop the ball.

Tackling

The film highlights the three styles of tackles from the PSU linebacker. When blitzing, or a free run, watch for the envelope tackle. That is to say, he smothers or envelopes the quarterback, securing the stop, rather than forcing the fumble. Next, approach the run from either side, Smith loves the waist tackle and drive, locking on and making the stop. Lastly, and the play that the NFL will drill out of him, the over pursuit and reach out. With his speed, Smith needs to breakdown faster and under control.

Speed/Athleticism

First, let’s get this out of the way. Brandon Smith, if healthy, and all signs point to that, will test well. From the 40 yard dash to the agility drills, look for draft analysts to cheer. Now, with that said, focus on the film. First, the blitzing. With zero wasted motion and the ability to close, a linebacker opens the door as a pass rusher. From sideline to sideline, Smith moves economically, preferring the smart angle, versus the looping approach that gives up yards.

Coverage

Smooth backdrop and comfort in space. Unlike many linebackers that appear to thrash around in the proverbial deep water, the prospect slides comfortably into his zone drops. Furthermore, Smith will take away the flare or dump-off pass. If the back does make the catch, the former Nittany Lion snuffs it out. At the next level, he will need to expand this trait to anticipate quicker. Also, understand the nuance of the uncalled pick play.

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Raiders Fit

Granted, Denzel Perryman breathed life into a defense that floundered in previous years. The Raiders struck gold with his signing. Meanwhile, the other linebackers they’ve signed in recent years struggled mightily. In fact, Nick Kwiatkoski found himself playing primarily on special teams. In signing him, the Raiders spent twenty-one million dollars on a two-down linebacker with coverage liabilities. Meanwhile, Cory Littleton arrived with coverage credentials. Yet, he found himself struggling to stay with back and tight ends. Although he only surrendered only one touchdown, the return on investment on his contract fell woefully short. On the other hand, Brandon Smith brings the best of both worlds. If paired with Perryman and another linebacker, Smith could excel as a WILL. The front seven of the Raiders defense did improve in 2021. However, they still lack lateral agility and closing speed. Smith would never leave the field. Players like Austin Ekeler wouldn’t bound to the outside and wreak havoc versus Las Vegas. Additionally, the ability to blitz elevates Smith’s importance. Teams would need to account for him and the two edge rushers.