2021 NFL Draft: 4 O-lineman who could be steals on Day 3

D’Ante Smith, OT, East Carolina

Smith had a solid career for the Pirates where he started for three years. He was very consistent and reliable and played against some tough competition in the AAC including UCF and Cincinnati.

Smith has an excellent reach with 35-inch arms which keeps him engaged in battles for even a second longer which sometimes proves to be the difference between a loss and gain. He’s excellent off the snap more often than not and that quickness exploits his reach that much more.

One of the most crucial things that Smith must do to succeed in the NFL is to put on some more size. He’s 6’5, but only 294 lbs. Once he can improve that, some of his other issues such as his upper body strength and balance will work themselves out. He’s already gained 20 pounds from what he was listed at by East Carolina to at the Senior Bowl.

Smith only played one game due to an injury in 2020 which could be cause for concern, but his performance at the Senior Bowl despite not appearing in the game. His drills all looked good and were touted on Twitter by many NFL people.

If he can keep adding size, Smith will develop into a force at the next level.