2021 NFL Draft: Shi Smith showing lots of draft potential

Shi Smith has risen as WR1 for South Carolina. Can he continue to rise up 2021 NFL Draft boards?

The South Carolina Gamecocks have had several great pass catchers under Will Muschamp in Deebo Samuel and Hayden Hurst who have both made a name for themselves in the big leagues.

Muschamp now has another explosive route runner in Shi Smith this year who has sat behind those two mentioned before in the shadows and now is expected to be running the showdown in Columbia. Shi Smith has shown a lot of good production this year and is a focal point in that offense.

Smith stands at 5-foot 10 and weighs in around 190 pounds, which is a good build for a speedy receiver in the league. Smith has shown great ability in the slot and on motion plays this year, where he has made a lot of highlights for the Gamecocks.

Though he is used in a lot of intermediate passing plays and bubble screens to get in open space to make plays, Smith has the ability and has shown to be a solid deep ball threat.

As mentioned, Smith has electric speed on the field, and do not be surprised if he puts the burners on at the Combine and being in the top ranking of the 40-yard dash. Smith isn’t only good for his quickness, but he has shown to be wideout number one for the Muschamp offense this year.

In the game against the Tennesse Volunteers, he emerged late in the game with big plays in a close game ending in a loss for the Gamecocks grabbing 10 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown.

With his frame, you would be surprised by his ability to break big tackles and continue to stride upfield. Looking back on his junior season tape you see a lot of times Smith getting low to the ground and pushing through bigger defenders. Though he has shown the ability to mock a tank he also has great air ability to fly high like a plane over defenders. If you follow Smith on Instagram you saw him throw shots at an Auburn player, after “Mossing” him in the endzone.

Even though Smith has shown dashing speed in the open field, the ability to break out of contact, and SportsCenter top 10-caliber catches, there are still some parts of his game that need improvement.

Smith needs to evolve his route tree and incorporate more dynamic routes. Drags and go routes can only get you so far and if he continues work on the route tree he could be used more on Saturdays which will translate to Sundays.

Shi Smith is currently a sleeper on a lot of people boards and mock drafts. He is currently projected to go in the 4th-5th round but with his production in the earlier games this season you could see a rise.

Smith was not a factor in the LSU game, but with a strong showing in the first few games, one bad game will not affect his stock. Smith has a lot of tools to thrive in the slot in the big leagues and make big plays with his quickness and athletic abilities.