Shi Smith: South Carolina Gamecocks Wide Receiver 2021 NFL Scouting Report

SHI SMITH | South Carolina | WO | # 13 | rSr | 5096 | 190 4.48e | União, SC | Union County

Overview:

Continuing the trend of talented wide receivers from the University of South Carolina, Shi Smith follows the line of Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards as versatile game creators on the outside. With a smooth athletic profile, including short-range explosiveness and straight-line speed, Smith is a tough cover for opposing defenders. He is an astute runner who has a clear understanding of blind spots in the roof and how to attack leverage. After a bit of a low season in 2019, Smith reacted grandly during 2020. Smith is a YAC monster who has a headache in post-capture situations, using his natural athletics to navigate in the open. Sporting a smaller frame, Smith can be limited to slot tasks at the next level. With a small capture radius and limited ability to work against press coverage, this undermines your alignment versatility. The consistency has been sporadic for Smith, disappearing very often in the film. Overall, Smith is an easy projection as an impact slot receiver relatively early in his career. With his combination of YAC skill, smoothness and more speed, he is the type of wide receiver that can impact an attack every time he has the football in his hands.