DeAngelo Smith SELECTED BY: Cowboys Round 5 (7)

SI Grade 3.44 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a junior. Defensive totals last season included 53/2/8, when he also averaged 9.5 yards on 23 punt returns. Shared the national lead with eight interceptions as a junior, when he also averaged 24.7 yards on 12 kick returns.

POSITIVES: Athletic defensive back with average instincts. Sized well, defeats blocks, and forceful up the field. Fluid transitioning to run with opponents off the line, physical with opponents throughout the routes, and defeats them to break up the throw. Plays faster than his 40 time, and stays step-for-step with opponents down the field. Plays with a good degree of suddenness and shows a terrific burst of speed.

NEGATIVES: Not fluid pedaling in reverse. Slow to react. Struggles making plays with his back to the ball.

ANALYSIS: Smith is a terrific athlete who's shown skill in the defensive backfield and impacted games returning punts or kicks. He is better off in a situation where he could face the action, and may be given consideration inside at safety. Smith?s return skills should lock up a roster spot for him at the next level.

PROJECTION: Fifth Round