2009 Scouting Report : Alphonso Smith Wake Forest CB

by silencecs on Dec 4, 2008 8:22 PM EST

Alphonso Smith makes plays. He's a late first round selection to an early second rounder as it stands now. The only real knock against the cat is his lack of size. He's fast, a technically sound tackler, and has exceptional hands. We could hear his name called for the Jags on draft day...

2009 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report:

Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Playing such a significant role on a team for four years is pretty impressive no matter where you play. Wake Forest has been a quality team over most of those seasons. After redshirting in 2004 as a true freshman, Alphonso Smith stepped into the starting line-up before the season began. The cornerback earned a variety of All-American honors for his efforts. As a sophomore he only started three contests, but he tallied 8.5 tackles-for-loss, four sacks and three interceptions. As an upperclassman Smith really came into his own and earned first team All-ACC honors due to his eight interceptions, including three that were returned for touchdowns. Through four games in 2008, Smith already has 30 tackles, four for loss and one interception.
Smith has everything anybody could want from a cornerback -- with one exception. He is quick, has great instincts, can catch the ball very effectively and is rarely caught out of position. The one problem is his size. He is only 5-9 and 190 pounds.

His size, or lack there of, will keep him down on some draft boards, but Smith deserves to be mentioned with some of the top corners in this class. If he can separate himself from players like Kevin Barnes of Maryland, Mike Mickens of Cincinnati and Darius Butler of Connecticut, Smith could be a first round selection come April.
11/11 Update: Smith has done nothing this season to diminish his hopes of a first day selection. He has five interceptions, 13 pass break-ups and has tallied 29 total tackles through nine games. That is not a bad season as it is and there is still more time. His lack of size will still be the biggest thing standing between him and a first-round selection.

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All I know is he was Christian Ponder's favorite target when FSU played Wake

"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."-Bill Hicks

by Jonathan Loesche on Dec 4, 2008 10:56 PM EST reply actions

There is so much talent at CB position this year.

I wouldn’t mind getting him in 2nd round if there is nothing outstanding left. But do we go with him, Mike Mickens from Cincinnati if he’s still there, Vontae Davis from Illinois if he’s there?

by harveyismyboy on Dec 5, 2008 4:05 PM EST reply actions

Think another Rashean

As I go to his school I have watched him for the 2 years I have been here, and one year before that. He is a Rashean/Lito Sheppard type guy, a ball hawk and a play maker. He’s one of those guys who needs help from a safety because most of the time he tries to go for the ball. He’ll have an impressive tackle from time to time but he is by no means a sound tackler or a hard hitter. In fact I would characterize him as a bit of a softie. I wouldn’t really want him because he gets beat quite a bit and often fails to bring guys down. I’d take him for a bargain price if he drops to late second round but he is definitely not 1st round material. What we need is a big, tough Polamalu or Bob Sanders type who hits hard.

by rusty904 on Dec 9, 2008 12:42 PM EST reply actions