Andre Smith article

[freddyg12]

I hadn't put as much on his injuries this past year as I assumed that he was back 100%, but I realize some injuries are still healing even as a player is back on the field. Maybe his health was a big part of it, but at 33 I just don't see him being able to win the job against a good rookie prospect.

[KI Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by SouperMeister

Tape doesn't lie, and long arms are much more important for an OT than the number of bench press reps at the combine. I would be happy if we took Smith - it's time for the FO to address our situation at OT

You are absolutely right!

The question about this guy isn't "can he play"? He can play. The question is whether or not he can become a 10-year fixture at Left Tackle. If not, then he may need to become a starter at Right Tackle or, worst case, Guard. We would want him for RT now, anyway. He would only move to LT later in his and Chris Samuels' careers.

The fact that he showed his immaturity by screwing up at the Combine and then had the audacity to run shirtless with man-boobs at his Pro day workout (both of which are superficial things that turn people off) may turn out to be the only way we could draft him at #13.

If we take him, he'll be coming to a place where there is outstanding peer leadership. He'll come under the influence of Chris Samuels, Randy Thomas, Jon Jansen, and others. He'll be fine.

If he's there at #13, he will almost certainly be the best player available - and at a position of need. With him, we would get a true Top 10 player (after deducting 3 slots for immaturity and man-boobs). If I were Vinny, I'd turn in my selection card for him PDQ.

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Pass on Smith, too much bust potential. From the article:

"For a player who isn't emotionally ready for the demands of NFL life, a good support system is vital. Smith may not have one. "Smith hasn't been getting stellar advice," Rapoport said."

We don't have the luxury of a Vince Young or worse scenario to happen on us. Trade down, get Britton later. If we have to pick an OT, make it Oher.

[KI Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

Pass on Smith, too much bust potential. From the article:

"For a player who isn't emotionally ready for the demands of NFL life, a good support system is vital. Smith may not have one. "Smith hasn't been getting stellar advice," Rapoport said."

We don't have the luxury of a Vince Young or worse scenario to happen on us. Trade down, get Britton later. If we have to pick an OT, make it Oher.

Britton has very short arms. I see that as a problem for him as an NFL Tackle. Oher might be a good pick, if he's available.

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

Pass on Smith, too much bust potential. From the article:

"For a player who isn't emotionally ready for the demands of NFL life, a good support system is vital. Smith may not have one. "Smith hasn't been getting stellar advice," Rapoport said."

We don't have the luxury of a Vince Young or worse scenario to happen on us. Trade down, get Britton later. If we have to pick an OT, make it Oher.

I see it just the opposite, We have a solid group of OL guys that could give him that support system. We arent talking QB, and he could get huge benefits from Samuels and Dockery. This is a positive for him coming here.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

I see it just the opposite, We have a solid group of OL guys that could give him that support system. We arent talking QB, and he could get huge benefits from Samuels and Dockery. This is a positive for him coming here.

From Smith's perspective, this is one of the best places he could get drafted to, but I'm hesitant to say that it should factor into our decision to take him at No. 13 or not.

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

I see it just the opposite, We have a solid group of OL guys that could give him that support system. We arent talking QB, and he could get huge benefits from Samuels and Dockery. This is a positive for him coming here.

If this guy is basically a knucklehead now what makes you think once he gets a 7 figure check he's going to listen to / relate to guys that are 10+ yrs. older than him. D. Thomas did a fine job of allowing Santana to mentor him last year..... Character flaws are character flaws, you don't change a leopard's spots. You either accept the character flaw because of the exceptional talent or don't, you can't expect it to change.

I don't take the risk on him because his talent level isn't enough to justify the risk. Most scouts have this guy pegged as an RT or G, not a starting LT.