NFL Draft Notebook: Breaking down the New York Jets draft and more
By John Blair
2022 NFL Draft Sleeper of the Week
Each week NFL Draft Notebook will highlight a player who is flying under the radar but could become an impactful player in the NFL. This week’s player is Louisiana junior running back Chris Smith who could be one of the top return men in the 2022 NFL Draft. Smith is also a prospect who has made the most of his limited touches averaging over five yards per rush and ten yards per reception.
The trait that has made scouts take notice of Smith despite being the third-string running back for the Ragin’ Cajuns is his outstanding special teams play. Last season, he was named a second-team All-American after averaging 26.8 yards per kickoff return and taking two of his 23 kickoff returns back for touchdowns. He has also shown the ability to be a change of pace running back in the NFL, displaying the hands to be a threat in the passing game and the speed to make things happen in the open field.
The biggest concern with Smith is that he has yet to be a primary ball carrier in college. Last season, he only carried the ball 62 times and over his first seasons in college has only rushed the ball 92 times. He has also seen limited touches in the passing game only catching 16 passes last year, although that did lead the team’s running backs in receptions. Another concern with Smith is that he tends to run upright and lacks the power to break many tackles.
This coming season Smith should see his touches increase as the two running backs who were ahead of him were Elijah Mithcell and Trey Ragas are now in the NFL. He will also be the primary kick returner for Louisiana this year as well.
While Smith will likely be better off by returning to college for his senior season in 2022, if he does enter the draft he could be a late-round pick. Although, a team could fall in love with his kick return ability and take him higher than that as the Minnesota Vikings took a very similar prospect Kene Nwangwu in the fourth round of this year’s NFL Draft.