Aldon Smith

Smith has a knack for getting to the quarterback, a skill he's known was in his arsenal since his days as a first-team all-state defensive end for Raytown High School in Missouri. "I think my first sack," Smith said at the scouting combine when asked when he first realized he could really get after quarterbacks. "My coach just kind of yelled at me and let me know everything. He pulled me aside after my first game and told me I had a little special ability." Smith committed to Missouri shortly after watching the Tigers beat rival Nebraska in a raucous Faurot Field. He turned down scholarship offers from the Cornhuskers, Kansas and Kansas State, among others. After redshirting in 2008, Smith earned Big 12 Defensive Newcomer and Freshman of the Year honors the following year by setting a single-season school record with 11.5 sacks. He had 19 tackles for loss and 64 tackles overall. Smith got off to a slow start in 2010, including missing three games with a fractured right fibula. But he return with a big splash, snagging a big interception in the Tigers' upset over then-No. 1 Oklahoma. He finished the season with 48 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Smith surprised many in the scouting community when he chose to leave Missouri after his redshirt sophomore season, and scouts remain divided on the rather raw prospect. He hasn't filled out his frame, and his lack of ideal strength was evident as he lifted 225 pounds just 20 times at the combine. Smith also posted disappointing short-shuttle (4.50) and 3-cone drill (7.19) times - two important agility tests. One scout for an NFL team that uses a 3-4 scheme told NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst Rob Rang that Smith had an excellent pro day workout and could be an explosive pass rusher once he "grows into his body." Another scout from a 4-3 team was concerned about Smith's change of direction ability and said he'll be drafted early based primarily on his 2009 game film. Smith has very limited experience playing in a 3-4, but said he believes he has athleticism and versatility to be effective in either scheme. "I've done a lot of work with (the 3-4) since I got out of college. I think the more I do it, the more comfortable I get," Smith said. "Something a lot of people don't know about me is that I can stop the run. I can help out in that area, too."

strength

Plays stronger than his height/weight numbers indicate. Does not give up room when holding the line. Violent with his hands, able to push aside blockers when rushing the passer or shedding to chase ballcarriers. Still requires time in pro strength and conditioning to gain 15-20 pounds before becoming a three-down player as a 4-3 defensive end.

explosion

Still more potential than practice as a pure outside pass rusher, but shows glimpses of explosive ability on the edge. Pops his man with big swipes to get past blockers. Brings a punch in his bull rush, sometimes knocking back even strong college tackles.

tackling

Uses his long, strong arms to wrap up quarterbacks and ballcarriers in the backfield; can chop down hard to force fumbles. Speedy chase tackler who closes well for his size due to that length, hustle, and straight-line speed. Misses tackles when leaving his feet early or short-arming (ducking his head and not fully extending.)

intangibles

Right fibula fractured against San Diego State in October 2010; fracture was high enough above ankle and below the knee so it could heal on its own without surgery. Returned just three weeks later and played hurt for the rest of the season. Only a redshirt sophomore, which is a positive given his upside, but some might view as negative given his relative lack of experience.

run defense

Potentially strong edge run defender as 4-3 end or 3-4 linebacker. Stays balanced out of his stance, extends his arms to keep distance, able to shed to get to the ball on either side of the block. Good backfield awareness. Willing to lower his shoulder and stand his ground against pulling guards and moving tight ends. Gets down the line while engaged to be involved on inside runs. Beats reach blocks to get into the backfield.

pass rush

Great length and upper-body development with room to grow and become a top-notch pass rusher. When given the green light to attack the passer, he is able to turn the corner or quickly go outside-in to get a more direct path to the QB. Uses strength to get movement in his bull rush; able to release with his hands to harass a scrambling passer. Moves inside to a three-technique spot on some plays to take advantage of his quickness, as well as his height, to disrupt passing lanes (seven pass breakups in 2009-2010). Jumps over and uses his hands to beat cut blocks.

compares to

Jarvis Moss, Raiders -- Scouts figured Moss' length and speed off the edge would be difficult for offensive tackles to handle, and despite his uneven career to date, will value Smith's similar build because of the importance of pass rushers.

2010: A fractured right fibula in October didn't require surgery, but sidelined Smith for three games.

Combine: 4.70 40-yard dash; 20 bench reps at 225 pounds; 9'10" broad jump; 34-inch vertical; 4.50 short shuttle; 7.19 3-cone drill.

Highly-touted athlete who ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect (any position) in the state of Missouri, as well as the No. 27 strongside defensive end in the nation, according to Rivals

Scout ranked him as the state's No. 7 overall prospect (any position)

Named an all-midwest region defensive lineman by PrepStar

Committed to Mizzou immediately following Mizzou's impressive 41-6 win over Nebraska on Oct. 6th, and cited the outstanding fan support and atmosphere at Faurot Field as a big factor

Was a 1st-Team All-State selection for Raytown as a senior defensive end in 2007, as he registered 60 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 12 QB sacks, while adding 7 forced fumbles, 1 blocked punt and 1 safety

Won his team's defensive MVP honors while serving as a team captain during his senior season

Also stood out on offense, as he caught 34 passes for 570 yards and 4 TDs as a tight end

Was a Buck Buchanan Award finalist as a senior, as well

Named 1st-Team All-Conference as a junior in 2006, when he made 49 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss, and added 18 catches for 285 yards and 3 TDs on offense

Standout in the sport of basketball who won 1st-Team All-Conference honors on the hardcourt

High school coach - Ken Clemons.

Parents - Thurston Smith & Kimberly Smith

Has an interest of studying in MU's College of Business, with a plan to major in the real estate program

Lists video games, sports, swimming, traveling and listening to music as his primary hobbies

Cited the family-like atmosphere presented to him by both Mizzou's coaching staff and the players as well as the nice athletics and campus facilities as a major reason for his attraction to the school

Chose Mizzou over Nebraska, Kansas and Kansas State, among many others.