JUSTIN SMITH
By: Dave-Te' Thomas

#96-JUSTIN SMITH University of Missouri Tigers 6:04.4-273

ANALYSIS
Positives... Well-built athlete with sudden and explosive initial quickness off the snap...Classis edge rusher who quickly locates the ball...shows good arm extension and a forceful hand punch to separate from blockers...Has the speed to move through the pile...Breaks down the play decisively and maintains control through his hits...Uses his burst off the snap to easily collapse the pocket... Knows how to keep his hands close in order to prevent blockers from getting into his chest...Comes off low out of his stance, chasing hard from the backside...Gets his hands up with arms extended to deflect passes at the line...Keeps his feet moving when engaged and has the agility to redirect to the inside when the edge lanes are clogged.

Negatives... Too pass rush conscious, which causes him to slowly diagnose the running plays directed at him...Gets sealed off some when trying to display inside counter moves... Dips his shoulder when trying to move laterally, slowing down his agility...Strikes under control, but frequently grabs at ball carriers in run support, rather than wrapping them... Has a hard time disengaging from double coverage and can be controlled when attempting to shoot the inside gaps.

CAREER NOTES
Mainstay on the Tigers' defense ever since joining the team as a freshman...Called by former head coach Larry Smith, "a bigger Junior Seau"...Relentless in pursuit, Justin is blessed with a physically imposing physique and a strong desire to get to the quarterback...He was used in a variety of roles, stunting across the line to gain penetration into the backfield...One of the fastest down linemen in the collegiate ranks (4.64 in the 40-yard dash)...Finished his career with 275 tackles (177 solos), five forced fumbles, 21.5 sacks for minus 155 yards and 53 stops behind the line of scrimmage for losses of 194 yards...His 21.5 sacks broke the old school season-record of 18 by Rick Lyle (1990-93) and his 53 tackles for losses set another Missouri all-time record.

REMIND ME OF... San Diego's Junior Seau.

GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL... I agree with former head coach Larry Smith in saying that this kid is a bigger version of Junior Seau. Few players can consistently disrupt the game like this kid can. Sure, he has a ways to go as a run stuffer, but put him at right end and unleash him. Look for the Cardinals to trade the second pick to either Green Bay or St. Louis, with both teams vying to move up to grab the tough Missourian.

WANT DAVE-TE'S COMPLETE SCOUTING REPORT?
Now, get Dave-Te's indepth scouting report, available for the first time on a CD diskette (Microsoft WORD format). Yes, you can receive Dave-Te's two-to-six page scouting reports on over 500 players eligible for the draft, his indepth position analysis, and ratings for the low price of $25. Interested? Now taking orders for both the pre-draft guide and the post-draft reports. E-mail the "Madman from Brooklyn" at nflscouting@aol.com for more details, but hurry! The draft is just a few short weeks away!