Exciting sleeper WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette enters 2021 NFL Draft

Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsett enters the 2021 NFL Draft class

Unsurprisingly, Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette announced his intention to enter the 2021 NFL Draft on Thursday. “For as long as I could remember,” Smith-Marsette wrote via Twitter. “I have always dreamt to play in the National Football League (NFL). After conversations with my coaches and family, I have decided to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.”

Smith-Marsette was a four-year contributor at Iowa, making an impact for the team on special teams and at wide receiver each and every season. His best college season came as a junior in 2019, where Smith-Marsette caught 44 passes for 722 yards and five touchdowns. He carried the ball 11 times for 108 yards and three touchdowns, and was also an impact kick returner, adding two kick return touchdowns on the year.

Smith-Marsette was also an impact player for the Hawkeyes this season, hauling in 25 receptions for 345 yards and four touchdowns in seven games. While these numbers should not inspire a ton of confidence in his ability to dominate at the next level, it is important to keep in mind where Smith-Marsette played.

Iowa runs an extremely run-heavy offensive attack, building their offense around a strong run game and play-action passing. Smith-Marsette did receive opportunities to make plays for the Hawkeyes, but they were relatively few and far between. I am confident if he played in a wide-open college system with ample opportunity in the passing game that Smith-Marsette’s 2021 NFL Draft stock will be on the next level.

When it comes to this prospect, we need to look much further than the numbers. Smith-Marsette is a smooth athlete who changes directions quickly and shows impressive deep speed. He is an impressive run-after-catch player who can certainly make an impact in the short passing game and shows the ability to make plays deep down the field as well.

Smith-Marsette is probably best suited for a slot role at the next level, but could certainly be an impact player from the inside. If nothing else, he is a talented kick return prospect who could make an early impact on special teams while he grows into an offensive role.

Many will look at Smith-Marsette’s numbers and ignore him as a 2021 NFL Draft prospect. However, he is undoubtedly a gifted prospect who could quickly grow into an impact player at the next level.