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2022 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Oklahoma vs. Baylor

By Andrew Fischer

Oct 16, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Nik Bonitto (11) in action during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Nik Bonitto (11) in action during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 16, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears running back Abram Smith (7) runs for a touchdown against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears running back Abram Smith (7) runs for a touchdown against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Baylor RB Abram Smith

Abram Smith isn’t your typical 2022 NFL Draft prospect, and his path is a bit unusual. In 2018 and 2019 combined, Smith recorded 12 carries for 46 yards and one touchdown. Last year in 2020, he played five games at linebacker and made 48 tackles including five tackles for loss. This year, he’s one of only 10 backs in the FBS to have topped the 1,000-yard mark. And his whopping 7.3 yards per carry is the best among that bunch.

It’s fair to say that the 5’11” 221-pound senior from Abilene, Texas, came out of nowhere, because he virtually did. But now, due to how well he’s running this year in Baylor’s zone run-blocking offense, Smith is making his case for the 2022 NFL Draft.

His running style is unique, as he appears to be running fairly straight up and down. But Abram Smith is decisive in his cuts (which is necessitated by Baylor’s zone run-blocking offense), and he runs with a forward lean. This means he can make yards after first contact as he thrusts his sturdy frame forward at the end of runs, often knocking defenders back. He is best when he can pick up a head of steam and get downhill. Since many of Baylor’s plays are run out the pistol or shotgun formation, he’s often able to do that.

I wouldn’t call Abram Smith a burner, as his long run of the season is only 55 yards, but he does average 7.3 yards per tote and is tied for second in the nation with eight rushes of 30 or more yards, evidence that he’s still frequently creating explosive plays. Smith excels in short yardage situations, and he has 11 rushing touchdowns so far this year. To improve his 2022 NFL Draft stock, Abram Smith could work on pass catching as he only has 10 career catches for 44 yards. His toughness and vision could make him attractive as a late round flyer for some team come draft time.

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