Reggie Smith SELECTED BY: San Francisco 49ers Round 3(12)

SI Grade 3.83 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter used at both safety and cornerback. All-Conference selection the past two years. Defensive totals last season included 78/3/11 when he also averaged 6.8 yards on 30 punt returns. Sophomore-year numbers were 40/3/11 with a 22.6-yard average on 12 kick returns.

POSITIVES: Nice-sized cover corner with the ability to shut down opponents. Athletic, fluid moving about the field, and quick transitioning to run with opponents off the line. Stays with receivers out of breaks, displays an explosive move to the throw, and quickly closes on the action. Nice job reading receivers. eyes then getting his head back around to locate the ball. Quickly diagnoses the action and defends the run. Adjusts or contorts to defend the pass. Displays solid open-field tackling skills.

NEGATIVES: Does not display great top end speed. Has played in a system which does not allow opposing signal callers time to throw the ball and gives the defensive backs plenty of breathing room.

ANALYSIS: Smith is one of the more underrated cornerbacks in the draft and a prospect with starting potential at the next level. He steadily improved his game the past three years and should quickly see action as a rookie in the NFL.

PROJECTION: Middle Second Round