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.
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.
Weaknesses in Smith’s Game
No prospect is perfect and comes without limitations, and while Smith is a dynamic playmaker, there are things to pay attention to this fall.
The first thing that will come up is his size. That size will limit where Smith’s production comes from, and his frame could be an issue versus bigger slot corners. His catch radius will be limited at the next level and will require more precise, on-target throws.
Ball security is another important aspect of the game. Smith put a few balls on the ground last fall and needs to clean that up, regardless of where he lines up on Sundays.
Final Thoughts/2022 NFL Draft Outlook
Ainias Smith has the game to translate to the NFL. His explosiveness is a problem for defenses, and his burst and route tree make him dangerous as a runner and a receiver. Toughness is the area that stands out the most on film, as he fights for every yard every time the ball is in his hands.
Unlike other versatile players, Smith can create on his own and doesn’t need the schemed touches. His creativity in space and in a phone booth will be invaluable for teams looking for a playmaker in the slot or a satellite back to spell lead backs for touches.
Defenses won’t be relaxed when he’s on the field for Texas A&M this fall, and the NFL will be paying attention. Smith might be the most underrated player to potentially join the 2022 NFL Draft class, and you can bet he makes a ton of noise for the Aggies in 2021.