Ihmir Smith-Marsette is an exciting 2021 NFL Draft prospect who could become a big-time playmaker at the next level.
The 2021 NFL Draft class is absolutely loaded with talent at the wide receiver position. If you need pass catchers, this is the class for you. Guys like Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, Devonta Smith and Rashod Bateman will be off of the board early, but there is certainly enough talent at the position to go around.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette is not the caliber of 2021 NFL Draft prospect of the players mentioned above. He is not going to go anywhere near the first round and is unlikely to get much attention whenever he is selected. That being said, Smith-Marsette is an extremely gifted wide receiver prospect who has a chance to be a fantastic playmaker at the next level.
Smith-Marsette burst onto the scene with 44 receptions for 722 yards and five touchdowns at Iowa last season. He was also able to make an impact for the Hawkeyes as a runner (11 carries for 108 yards and three touchdowns) and on special teams (17 kick returns for 503 yards and two touchdowns). Simply put, Smith-Marsette was able to impact the game in a variety of ways, using his speed and quickness to consistently make plays with the ball in his hands.
Impact playmaker with exciting upside
While Smith-Marsette has not been as productive this season, he is still an interesting 2021 NFL Draft prospect who deserves some attention. We do not want to put too much stock into Smith-Marsette’s numbers anyway, as the Hawkeyes are a run-heavy offense that does not represent the modern NFL well.
Despite getting limited opportunities in a more traditional offensive attack, Smith-Marsette has shown more than enough to get the attention of NFL scouts. He is a smooth and sudden athlete who is explosive out of breaks. Smith-Marsette does a fantastic job of releasing off of the line of scrimmage and uses his sneaky speed to beat the defense deep. He is also an exciting playmaker with the ball in his hands who is elusive in the open field and maintains his balance well.
While Smith-Marsette is not being used to his full upside at Iowa, it is still easy to see him having an impact at the next level. Speed kills in today’s NFL and Smith-Marsette has plenty. He also has great on-field instincts and soft hands. There will undoubtedly be NFL teams who see his upside and give him a chance.