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

Strengths of Smith’s Game

Explosive and dynamic are two words that are used often when describing Smith’s abilities.

As a runner, he makes the most of every carry he gets. Smith has the urgency to get downhill in a flash while also possessing the agility and creativity to make defenders miss in tight quarters. His flexibility enables him to string moves together and quickly shift into a crease that opens up in front of him. Smith is extremely tough and will often drop the pads through contact to pick up as much yardage as he can.

As a receiver, there’s a lot to like. His versatility shows up immediately, as he can run routes out of the backfield or in the slot. The agility and creativity mentioned above helps him after the catch, where he can deceive defenders in space to create after the catch. His burst and straight line speed is very good and he can take advantage of poor angles. As a route runner, Smith has the route tree combined with the fluid movement skills to dominate against linebackers over the middle. Smith shows off the savvy part of his game when he dips under contact in his route stems, and creates separation in the short and intermediate areas of the field. As mentioned above as well, he’s tough and has the body control and balance to bounce off of would-be tacklers.

Smith competes his butt off and it shows in pass protection as well as blocking in space. His technique isn’t great, but he doesn’t take plays off.