Scouting Report: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri

Ht: 6-4 Wt: 263 40: 4.74

Strengths: Good size, long arms. Very Athletic. Extremely quick off the line of scrimmage. Has a good motor. Displays a good motor. Shows good awareness, can recognize plays quickly. Knows he has to protect the outside. Is able to use his hands to his advantage, but he needs improvement. I think he could play in the 4-3 as well as the 3-4 systems. He is a playmaker and has first round talent.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve bull rush, needs to add muscle. He will struggle against stronger linemen in the NFL. Wasn't asked to drop into coverage at Missouri, he is going to have to transition if he is drafted by a 3-4 team. He struggled with minor injuries during last season. Does not have a ton of experience.

Summary: Aldon Smith is a talented DE who will go in the first round. He is tremendously quick and knows how to get after the QB. This draft is loaded with talented DE's but Aldon Smith is in the top crop of the bunch. He is versatile, has good football I.Q., and is a great pass rusher. He is too fast and quick not to be mentioned in the top pass rushers in the draft. He will be a top 20 pick.

Draft Projection: Top 20