2021 NFL Draft: Ihmir Smith-Marsette a name to keep eyes on

Ihmir Smith-Marsette is a name to watch in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The 2020 NFL Draft was absolutely loaded at the wide receiver position, but the 2021 class is shaping up to be just the same.

Although players like Ja’Marr Chase of LSU and Justyn Ross of Clemson are dominating the early 2021 NFL Draft rankings — and rightly so — there are diamonds to be found in every conference across the country.

One player not getting nearly the love he should be is Iowa Hawkeyes receiver/return specialist Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

The Hawkeyes are certainly known for a more conservative offensive approach under Kirk Ferentz and offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz. The Hawkeyes want to dominate the trenches, and that tactic has typically resulted in their top NFL prospects being linemen on the offensive side of the football.

Other than the tight end position, Iowa does not often have quarterbacks, running backs, or wide receivers often very highly rated by NFL scouts. Despite the fact that Ferentz’s approach has been effective through the years, it seems rare for Iowa to have a skill player offensively as talented and dynamic as Smith-Marsette.

As a matter of fact, the only non-tight end skill players in the NFL from Iowa right now are Nick Easley (WR, Buffalo Bills), CJ Beathard (QB, San Francisco 49ers), and Nate Stanley (QB, Minnesota Vikings).

Smith-Marsette can pave a new way.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette career statistics

• 85 receptions
• 1,270 yards
• 10 touchdowns
• 1,490 scrimmage yards
• 3 rushing touchdowns
• 1,344 kickoff return yards
• 2 kickoff return touchdowns

Although Smith-Marsette’s numbers as a receiver are typical of one season from a prospect in Big 12 play, his lethal open-field speed, vision, quickness, and natural playmaking skills will be coveted traits by NFL scouts.

At 6-foot-1, 183 pounds, Smith-Marsette is still adding strength to his frame and he’s still learning the nuances of the wide receiver position. Recruited as a cornerback by some out of high school, the Hawkeyes have turned him into a tremendous offensive and special teams weapon, one that became just the second player in school history to score on a reception, rushing play, and kickoff return in the same game.

He actually almost did it two weeks in a row taking a kickoff back and rushing for a touchdown against Nebraska before accomplishing the trifecta against USC in the Holiday Bowl.

Smith-Marsette hasn’t yet been featured as a weapon playing for a school like Oklahoma, but he’s certainly shown on tape that he’s capable of becoming a complete player at the wide receiver position running excellent routes with quickness and great feet.

Despite having a slighter build, Smith-Marsette has a knack for making tough catches in traffic, even when he has to take hits.

This is an impressive young prospect. Although other receivers are dominating headlines, Smith-Marsette has a chance to really establish himself as one of the more dynamic playmakers in the 2021 NFL Draft class.