Oakland Raiders Watching For Speed at the Combine

Nov 30, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin Smith (9) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Devin Smith

When big-armed quarterback Cardale Jones became the starting quarterback of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Receiver prospect Devin Smith became a star. Down the stretch of the 2014 season, he ran by defensive backs for big plays and up draft boards. At about mid-season, Smith was projected to go in the fifth round and now, most boards have him teetering between one and two.

Smith has reliable hands and showed the scouts during Senior Bowl Week that he can run routes too. Add to that he’s 6’1″ and over 200 pounds and you can see why he rose as much as he did. Smith has reportedly been clocked at 4.33 and he plays just as fast if not faster in football games.

As far as I’m concerned, the Raiders need to pay attention to every single thing he does at the combine. He’s another guy that the Raiders won’t likely take at No. 4 but the top of the second round could work. But if he runs in the low 4.3s, he may come off the board late in the first round.

Next: Speed Watch: Phillip Dorsett