2017 NFL Draft Profile: Dawuane Smoot

Dawuane Smoot, Illinois
6-3, 264
Smoot was a four year player for the Illini, and played as a 215 pound end as a freshman. He was a hurdler and was a junior Olympian in high school.
As a freshman, Smoot eight tackles, with one TFL and one sack. As a sophomore, he started to bulk up, and finished with 33 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks. He added two PBUs, and three QB hurries.
As a junior, Smoot finished with 40 tackles, 15 TFLs, eight sacks, two PBUs, three QB hurries, and three forced fumbles.
As a senior, Smoot recorded 56 tackles, 15 TFLs, five sacks, 10 QB hurries, and two forced fumbles.
The Good
Once past the point of attack, he kicks into a second gear to get at QBs and RBs who are on the move.
Can close off a pocket by shutting down the edge.
Excellent athlete who was a hurdler in high school.
Can work the gaps as well as close off the edge.
Has lateral ability, and works down the line very well.
Can play up or down, depending on scheme.
Has the ability to knock a ball loose.
The Bad
Overall numbers were better in year two than year three. Did not seem as focused in his final season.
Has never played on a winning team, and doesn't know how to win on a high level just yet.
Does not explode off of the snap like you would like.
Hand work is average, and he can get redirected off of his course.
Does not possess many moves, or the ability to string together what little he has in the way of moves.
Lacks solid control, and his mindset towards the game does not appear to be focused.
Does not always bring it week to week.
Final Overview
If you look at his film as a junior, Smoot looked like pretty much everything you would need at the DE position, but it is the film from 2016 that should have many concerned. He throttled back in his senior season, almost as if he did not want to give too much and get hurt as he was already thinking ahead to the NFL draft this year. Illinois was losing, and that may have effected his mindset, but it does not thrill me that no matter what was going on with the team, that it appeared that he mailed it in a bit. A stellar athlete brings it no matter what. Teams will likely take a chance on Smoot in the late first round based on his junior film, but I believe that it is buyer beware on this one.