Vikings Prospect Player Card: Braden Smith | OG | Auburn

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Apr 25, 2018
Screen shot courtesy of YouTube

As the NFL Draft approaches, Vikings Territory is taking a look at prospects that may interest the Minnesota Vikings. Since it’s evident the team would like to add a long-term offensive line starter at some point in the early rounds, let’s examine the players who could fit that mold.

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  • School: Auburn
  • Position: G
  • Projected round: 2-3
  • Age: 22

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  • Height: 6-6
  • Weight: 305 lbs.
  • Arm: 32 1/4″
  • Hand: 9 3/8″

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  • Bench press: 35 reps of 225 pounds
  • 40-yard dash: 5.22 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 33.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 5 inches
  • 3-cone drill: DNP
  • 20-yard shuttle: 4.77 seconds

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Vikings Interest: 9/10

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  • Possesses an ideal frame for an NFL guard.
  • Pro Football Focus’ 3rd-highest graded guard in 2017.
  • Only allowed six pressures in 14 games last season.
  • Started 41 consecutive games at Auburn, playing both right guard and right tackle at a high level.
  • Well-rounded player in terms of excelling in pass protection, run blocking and blocking in the screen game.
  • He performed well at the combine, putting up the top vertical jump and broad jump numbers among offensive linemen.
  • Smith has a “nasty streak” in him. From veteran scout Brandon Thorn’s twitter feed:

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  • According to his NFL draft profile, adjusting to the pace of the NFL game is a minor concern.
  • Slower than average reaction time when mirroring defenders.
  • As the cliché goes, Smith is good in a phone booth but not in open field, limiting his versatility. As a result, he struggles when asked to pull.
  • His performance on the field weakened as the season progressed.
  • Minor arm length and footwork concerns.

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Bottom Line:

Smith has been flying under the radar as an OL prospect. He projects as an average-to-solid starter in the NFL.

Potential OL starters:

LT Riley Reiff – LG Nick Easton – C Pat Elflein – RG Braden Smith – RT Mike Remmers

More Prospects: