Strengths:
Steve Smith from USC is a FOOTBALL PLAYER. I stress this statement because as we proceed towards the NFL Draft many pundits are going to get caught up in the 40 times and the workout numbers and will forget the “body of work” that Smith produced at the University of Southern California. There were always more highly publicized receivers at USC, whether it be former WR Mike Williams or current prospect Dwayne Jarrett, Steve Smith has always been overshadowed, even at his own school. Smith is a very smooth receiver, who can make all the catches and will be a steal for some team willing to select him later in the draft.
Weaknesses:
Smith is going to be criticized, like other USC WRs, for not having the ability to get open against press coverage. He is just 6’0 and 195 pounds, and while his speed was better than expected, he is not a huge vertical threat. Smith also had the advantage of having really good quarterbacks throw him the ball throughout his collegiate career. How well will he do if his QB at the NFL level isn’t as good as he expects?
Overall:
Steve Smith is the kind of player one would describe as the “nuts and bolts” of an offense. He may not have the speed to break an eighty yard reception, but he does have the keen ability to get open and keep the drive alive as he makes 3^rd down catch after 3^rd down catch. Smith is one of the more NFL ready prospects in the 2007 NFL Draft, and should make an instant impact.