2022 NFL Draft: Aggies’ Ainias Smith is a versatile playmaker

Versatile playmakers have become more of a staple in the NFL than ever before. One of the first many remember was Reggie Bush, and he likely would’ve been a stud in today’s NFL if it evolved a bit quicker. Percy Harvin and Cordarelle Patterson brought receiving and return ability to the league as well, and the smaller, quicker receivers started to gain traction. Even Randall Cobb moved around the Packers offense. Then, the receiving running back took the stage, with players like Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara being able to create mismatches across formations. Even Taysom Hill has made a career with his versatility. Now, another versatile talent will take center stage in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Texas A&M’s Ainias Smith might be the next versatile stud, and could be highly coveted in the 2022 NFL Draft.

That versatility with Smith started back at Dulles High School in the Houston area, where Smith recorded two passing touchdowns as a senior, along with 481 rushing yards, 718 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns between the two, a kick return for a score, three interceptions, and a defensive score. Those numbers are insane.

Ainias Smith started making plays the second he got to College Station. Despite just 29 touches as a freshman, he averaged over 10 yards per touch and scored three touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2020, Smith’s numbers took a leap, as he recorded 564 yards receiving and six touchdowns while also averaging six yards per carry. His 10 touchdowns and 9.3 yards per touch are impressive, as he didn’t have a set role.

Let’s dive in and look closer at his game with this early 2022 NFL Draft scouting report.