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In his post-season press conference, New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese said that while Victor Cruz's doctor is hopeful, they aren't putting all of their eggs in his basket. That seems to confirm that the Giants will view the receiver position as one they might look to add talent going in to 2015.
A number of receivers have stood out in Senior Bowl practices, and one of them has been Ohio State product Devin Smith. This season Smith proved to be one of the most dangerous deep threats in college football. Coincidentally, Giants scouts were seen talking to him during practices. With that in mind, it would behoove us to get a bit more familiar with him.
Pros
- Dangerous long speed
- Quick cuts
- Flashes the ability to track and adjust to the ball well
- Reliable hands
- Adequate size
Cons
- Underdeveloped route tree
- Seems to have concentration drops
- Could struggle with press coverage at the next level
- Something of a one-trick pony at this point
Does He Fit With The Giants?
That really depends on what the Giants are looking for in a receiver. Smith has the speed to blow the top off a defense and give anyone working underneath more room to operate. However he doesn't -- yet -- have the route running skills that make Odell Beckham so successful. Smith would likely be a special teamer and only work in specific packages on the offense, at least to start his career.
Prospect Video
Big Board Rankings
Big Blue View - 85
Mocking The Draft - Not Ranked
CBS Sports - 85
Draft Countdown - 46
Draft Tek - 62
Final Thoughts
Smith is an interesting prospect. By the end of the 2014 season, he had become one of the premier deep threats in college football. He comes with a bunch of traits that scouts will adore, and he should put on a show at the scouting combine.
However, he has yet to show the kind of pro-ready route running to be an all-purpose receiver right away at the next level. Right now, he looks something like a shorter Martavis Bryant, a speedy home run threat who can blow the top off a defense and score points off play-action. But he doesn't look like a primary option right way. There isn't anything wrong with that, if you understand what you are looking for, and what you are getting with Smith.