Maason Smith of LSU, one of the most intriguing defensive linemen available in the 2024 NFL Draft, visited the Packers prior to the draft.
Green Bay, Wisconsin: According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, Maason Smith, a large and athletic defensive lineman from LSU, visited the Green Bay Packers before the draft.
Smith finished 2023 with 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for losses following an ACL tear that kept him out of the game in 2022. But he possesses the physical attributes to be a formidable opponent.
Take Name: Maason Smith.
Houma, Louisiana, native Smith was a five-star prospect. According to his description on the LSU athletics website, he is “the most imposing player on the LSU roster” and a “very hard worker in all areas of the game.”
Despite being a Freshman All-American in 2021, his damaged ACL prevented him from playing in all but the first few series of the 2022 season. He was suspended by the NCAA for “improper benefit,” so he was unable to attend the 2023 season start. He played his best ball toward the end, recording five tackles against Georgia State, five tackles against Texas A&M, and a sack against Wisconsin in his final three games. He began the following twelve games.
“During the first part of the season, I didn’t feel like things were necessarily moving in my favor. As the season went on, I improved greatly. He said to Melo, “I have to regain my dominance. “I continued to work hard and kept my head down.” At some point, the development occurred. I became Maason Smith again. All of that was there. I think I’ve improved significantly. In the vicinity of the line of scrimmage, I felt really uneasy. I returned to my comfy state.
With 6.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for losses, two batted passes, and 47 tackles in 22 career games—including 17 starts—the career totals are unimpressive.
It is impossible to overlook the tangible tools, though. With a relative athletic score of 8.46, he completed his 40-meter dash in 5.01 seconds, despite being 6 feet, 5 1/8 inches, and 306 pounds. His arms are among the longest in the draft class, at 35 inches.
He was the first player to wear No. 0 in the history of the program.
What would the Packers get from Maason Smith?
Athleticism, upside, and size.
He said to Melo, “I’ve always been very athletic for my size.” “I have good lateral movement for a defender my size. I really believe that my skill set and performance on the field contribute significantly to my total athletic abilities.
The defensive line for the Packers is largely established. In 2024, every 2023 snap returns. The Packers’ base defense under the previous 3-4 scheme included three linemen. That leaves them with just two in the new 4-3.
Even if the Packers might not want to select Just A Guy in this year’s draft, it makes sense to take a large risk on a guy who could have a significant influence. Both T.J. Slaton and veteran standout Kenny Clark are nearing the end of their contracts. Colby Wooden, the fourth-round choice from the previous year, had an unremarkable rookie campaign.
At the Combine, he stated, “Adversity comes with the knee injury.” “I’ve experienced a great deal. I believe it has improved my character and made me a better person.
What Is the Draft Projection of Maason Smith?
The Good Lord didn’t make too many people who were like Maason Smith, to borrow the great words of the late Ted Thompson. Despite his lack of dominant productivity, he has an excellent combination of size, length, and athleticism, which means he almost certainly will be a Day 2 draft pick. The 41st and 58th picks in the second round are owned by the Packers.
“There was real talk about him during the first round,” NFL draft expert Matt Miller of ESPN stated. Not just from us in the press, but also from LSU staff members. They genuinely believed that he would enter the game and take over as the main player. That possibility still exists. Seeing whether someone can extract that from his game will be intriguing.
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