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Jonnu Smith, TE, Florida International 2017 NFL Draft scouting report

By Russell Brown

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida International tight end Jonnu Smith goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida International tight end Jonnu Smith goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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In a deep class of tight ends, Florida International’s Jonnu Smith could be a very nice sleeper pick for some team. What does he bring to the table?

Coming out of West Port High School in Ocala, Florida, Jonnu Smith was just a two-star player. He had some interest from teams like Middle Tennessee State and Central Florida. Ultimately, he chose to play for Florida International and it looks like it was a wise decision.

Instantly becoming a starter at Florida International, Smith was productive. He had 39 receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman. As a sophomore, he had his breakout season with 61 receptions, 710 yards and 8 touchdowns. After playing in 24 games in his first two seasons at FIU, he only played in 19 games in his final two seasons.

However, Smith produced 78 receptions during those 19 games. He also added over 1,000 yards receiving and 8 more touchdowns. He was a focal point for the Panthers offense and was named first-team All-Conference USA for the 2016 season.

Strengths:

  • Fluid athlete with a good combination of size and speed.
  • Tested well at the combine — 4.62 (40 yard dash), 22 reps (bench), 38 inch vertical and 127 inch broad jump.
  • Can get up the field vertically but also has the speed to catch towards the sideline and get up field.
  • Should be a matchup problem with linebackers because of his speed and fluidity.
  • Has an experience as an ‘H-Back’, in the slot and in a three-point stance.

Weaknesses:

  • Doesn’t display his hands by catching with his body.
  • Won’t be an immediate contributor in the run game.
  • Tends to bounce off his block with poor hand placement and plays high.
  • When getting to the second level, he rarely finds anyone to block.
  • Needs to stay under control with his routes and in blocking situations.

Overall:

The more I watched of Jonnu Smith, the more I liked. He’s an athletic tight end who should provide some coverage mismatches at the next level. He’s fluid in space and has good size at 6’3 and 248 pounds. Something that stands out to me is what he does vertically and his ability to slip underneath coverage and get up the “sidewalk” (sidelines).

Teams drool over players with his athletic ability and I can see why. I wouldn’t be surprised if teams like the New York Giants or Tennessee Titans were his landing spots on day 3 of the draft. Currently, I’d compare him to Virgil Green of the Denver Broncos.

After his film evaluation, Smith grades out as a 4th round pick on my board with plenty of upside. He should provide nice value for any team that drafts in the 2017 NFL Draft.

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