Andre Smith SELECTED BY: Bengals Round 1 (6)

SI Grade 4.12 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors the past three seasons as well as being named all-American player last year. Awarded the Outland Trophy in 2008, presented annually to college football's top offensive lineman or linebacker.

POSITIVES: Dominant left tackle prospect effective as both a pass protector and run blocker. Makes great use of body positioning, keeps his feet moving and easily controls defenders at the point of attack. Blocks with terrific knee bend, plays with good pad level and can adjust to knock speed pass rushers from their angle of attack. Stays square, effective with his hands and displays good blocking vision. Shows the ability to handle quick, nimble opponents and easily controls defenders once engaged at the point of attack. Gets movement as a run blocker and effective off the line of scrimmage.

NEGATIVES: Must improve his run-blocking balance. Lacks smooth footwork sliding out off the edge. Not light on his feet and rumbles about the field. Has displayed some disturbing behavior in the off season. Disappeared unannounced prior to his combine workout. Turned in terrible interviews with teams during the combine. Looked poorly conditioned and out of shape at his pro-day workout two weeks later.

ANALYSIS: Smith has been a productive and dominant lineman the past three years. He may not be a most graceful pass protector, yet rarely does Smith get beat. While many nitpick, there's a lot to like about Smith's game, and if he adheres to proper conditioning off the field, he has all the tools needed to be a terrific left tackle in the NFL.

PROJECTION: First Round