Is it a forgone conclusion that he is going into draft or moving to P5 school? The engagement thing really makes me believe he is gone. Was hoping with him back for another year and another year for Childress to grow could be something special next year.

(12-01-2018 05:00 PM)Boggs747474 Wrote:  Is it a forgone conclusion that he is going into draft or moving to P5 school? The engagement thing really makes me believe he is gone. Was hoping with him back for another year and another year for Childress to grow could be something special next year.

I personally do not think he is gone. Unless you are a high draft pick, where big money is guaranteed, why would you declare early?

I saw Mel Kiper rankings of best College DE and OLB's and he was not even listed. Do I agree with this? Hell NO, he is a stud, but apparently the NFL may not be completely sold on him, which to me, wise choice would be stay in school and build your NFL resume even more. We shall see.

If he has a chance at the NFL he'll obviously take it, and who could blame him? WHy risk an injury in a college game when you have a chance at the big money.

He seems like a good guy, I hope it all works out for him.

I have seen SS in the 60-80 range (along with Max S); seen him projected in the 3rd-4th round and some not that high. Here is one site listing his pros and cons; how reliable/respected that site is I have no idea. https://thedraftnetwork.com/2018/08/02/2...ton-smith/

Because he is playing here in a position he will not play in the NFL, I would think he would not go in the first two rounds; I would think NFL teams do not want to take a risk in those rounds. As much as we love SS he likely is viewed as a risk.

I doubt if he can play defensive end in the NFL. Perhaps he could play free saftey. Size will be a problem for him on an NFL D line.

(12-01-2018 05:16 PM)NILAW Wrote:  I have seen SS in the 60-80 range (along with Max S); seen him projected in the 3rd-4th round and some not that high. Here is one site listing his pros and cons; how reliable/respected that site is I have no idea. https://thedraftnetwork.com/2018/08/02/2...ton-smith/

Because he is playing here in a position he will not play in the NFL, I would think he would not go in the first two rounds; I would think NFL teams do not want to take a risk in those rounds. As much as we love SS he likely is viewed as a risk.

Should he switch to the position he would be drafted for in the nfl for the 2019 season?

Here are Kiper's latest rankings by position as of mid NOV (* = Juniors) (** Sophs)

Outside linebackers
1. Josh Allen, Kentucky
2. *Jachai Polite, Florida
3. *Brian Burns, Florida State
4. Oshane Ximines, Old Dominion
5. Chase Winovich, Michigan
6. *Joe Jackson, Miami (Fl)
7. Chase Hansen, Utah
8. Christian Miller, Alabama
9. *Anfernee Jennings, Alabama
10. Ben Banogu, TCU

DE's
1. *Nick Bosa, Ohio State
2. *Rashan Gary, Michigan
3. *Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
4. Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech
5. Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
6. Zach Allen, Boston College
7. **Nick Coe, Auburn
8. *Raekwon Davis, Alabama
9. *Jordan Brailford, Oklahoma State
10. *Kenny Willekes, Michigan State

(12-01-2018 05:18 PM)NIUSox10 Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 05:16 PM)NILAW Wrote:  I have seen SS in the 60-80 range (along with Max S); seen him projected in the 3rd-4th round and some not that high. Here is one site listing his pros and cons; how reliable/respected that site is I have no idea. https://thedraftnetwork.com/2018/08/02/2...ton-smith/

Because he is playing here in a position he will not play in the NFL, I would think he would not go in the first two rounds; I would think NFL teams do not want to take a risk in those rounds. As much as we love SS he likely is viewed as a risk.

Should he switch to the position he would be drafted for in the nfl for the 2019 season?

Good question. Usually with "tweers" like SS, as I understand it you usually see team that run a 3-4 defense interested in this type of college DE. I would leave it to those who know about the LB position as to NIU running a 4-3 versus a 3-4 as to whether that would work. I know one thing; if he asked to in order to improve his draft possibility I sure would; we owe him at least that much!

(12-01-2018 05:04 PM)JKHuskie45 Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 05:00 PM)Boggs747474 Wrote:  Is it a forgone conclusion that he is going into draft or moving to P5 school? The engagement thing really makes me believe he is gone. Was hoping with him back for another year and another year for Childress to grow could be something special next year.

I personally do not think he is gone. Unless you are a high draft pick, where big money is guaranteed, why would you declare early?

I saw Mel Kiper rankings of best College DE and OLB's and he was not even listed. Do I agree with this? Hell NO, he is a stud, but apparently the NFL may not be completely sold on him, which to me, wise choice would be stay in school and build your NFL resume even more. We shall see.

6'1" 235 lb. DEs don't tend to get a lot of pre-draft air.

I will be surprised if he even gets drafted. Hate to say it. He’s too undersized to be confidently drafted high as an OLB/DE. If he has to change positions, he won’t be drafted. Teams generally will not spend a draft pick on a player that they will ask to change positions, especially such a big change from D line to DB.

Not to get off subject, but how about Corcoran going 6th - FA? He has better size at 6’3”, 251 and better stats than most ends projected outside of the first 5 rounds. He’s around 15 career sacks but he’s only played 30 games in 4 Years.

(12-01-2018 06:18 PM)NIU-32 Wrote:  I will be surprised if he even gets drafted. Hate to say it. He’s too undersized to be confidently drafted high as an OLB/DE. If he has to change positions, he won’t be drafted. Teams generally will not spend a draft pick on a player that they will ask to change positions, especially such a big change from D line to DB.

Yeah, I'm not sure how Smith compares to a guy like Adam Archuleta (granted, his move was from linebacker to safety...and he also played in what would now be considered a power 5 conference which brings along with it power 5 competition). I know Smith is bigger, but I'm not quite sure about what will be his combine comparables (ie, 40 yd dash, 10 and 20 yd split, cones, verticle, etc). I know he's super quick but is is fast enough to play DB (most likely safety) in the NFL? That I'm not sold on. He'd probably have to lose some weight and slim down a little as 235 is probably a bit heavy for him to be a successful safety/DB. Honestly, I've just never really seen Smith do anything in space and cover any receiver. At least with Archuleta as a linebacker, there was evidence of him covering guys on routes. There isn't with Smith. So that in itself makes it really difficult to project him as a a DB in the NFL.

Like was said, he might project best as a OLB in a 3-4 scheme, but that obviously eliminates a ton of teams from considering him as less than half of NFL teams use a 3-4.

(12-01-2018 06:26 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  Not to get off subject, but how about Corcoran going 6th - FA? He has better size at 6’3”, 251 and better stats than most ends projected outside of the first 5 rounds. He’s around 15 career sacks but he’s only played 30 games in 4 Years.

The problem with Corcoran is that he played opposite Smith and was most likely considered the 2nd priority for OCs to plan for after Smith. How good would Corcoran had been if Smith wasn't playing and taking a ton of double teams? Don't get me wrong, Corcoran is good. But he was also the 2nd best DE on a MAC team (albeit it best MAC team).

If I were taking a guess, I'd say he is at best a non-drafted free agent sign and that is if he even wants to pursue it.

(12-01-2018 06:14 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 05:04 PM)JKHuskie45 Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 05:00 PM)Boggs747474 Wrote:  Is it a forgone conclusion that he is going into draft or moving to P5 school? The engagement thing really makes me believe he is gone. Was hoping with him back for another year and another year for Childress to grow could be something special next year.

I personally do not think he is gone. Unless you are a high draft pick, where big money is guaranteed, why would you declare early?

I saw Mel Kiper rankings of best College DE and OLB's and he was not even listed. Do I agree with this? Hell NO, he is a stud, but apparently the NFL may not be completely sold on him, which to me, wise choice would be stay in school and build your NFL resume even more. We shall see.

6'1" 235 lb. DEs don't tend to get a lot of pre-draft air.

It’s considered an outside LB in the NFL and would have to be in a 3-4 defense. Difference between him and Khalil Mack or Clay Matthews is they are 6’3. Which instead of a 1st round grade might give him a later round grade and no guarantee of a roster spot. I could see him play special teams too while he develops in a system. I hope he stays but have doubts.

(12-01-2018 06:39 PM)Dtownboys Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 06:14 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 05:04 PM)JKHuskie45 Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 05:00 PM)Boggs747474 Wrote:  Is it a forgone conclusion that he is going into draft or moving to P5 school? The engagement thing really makes me believe he is gone. Was hoping with him back for another year and another year for Childress to grow could be something special next year.

I personally do not think he is gone. Unless you are a high draft pick, where big money is guaranteed, why would you declare early?

I saw Mel Kiper rankings of best College DE and OLB's and he was not even listed. Do I agree with this? Hell NO, he is a stud, but apparently the NFL may not be completely sold on him, which to me, wise choice would be stay in school and build your NFL resume even more. We shall see.

6'1" 235 lb. DEs don't tend to get a lot of pre-draft air.

It’s considered an outside LB in the NFL and would have to be in a 3-4 defense. Difference between him and Khalil Mack or Clay Matthews is they are 6’3. Which instead of a 1st round grade might give him a later round grade and no guarantee of a roster spot. I could see him play special teams too while he develops in a system. I hope he stays but have doubts.

Don't get me wrong, if he has a shot at getting drafted and actually wants to pursue that path, then he should do it and I would totally support that. There is zero reason to play another year for free (yeah...I know) when you could do so at the next level (even though he wouldn't be playing regularly and probably only on special teams) and getting paid to do so. It's a no-brainer choice.

With that said, does anyone actually know if he's intent or has a strong enough desire to go pro? I'm not sure what his status is in school in regards to graduation. I believe he's a Business Communications major and, tbh, I never really know what that means or what it leads to. But, considering he just got engaged, he may just want to finish school, graduate and start his life with the lady. I don't pretend to know his motivations, but skipping out on school and then trying to finish later, especially if he's close to graduation.

(12-01-2018 06:18 PM)NIU-32 Wrote:  I will be surprised if he even gets drafted. Hate to say it. He’s too undersized to be confidently drafted high as an OLB/DE. If he has to change positions, he won’t be drafted. Teams generally will not spend a draft pick on a player that they will ask to change positions, especially such a big change from D line to DB.

He will definitely be drafted. He will go as high as the third round this year and bottom out at the fifth round at worst. He won’t improve his draft status by playing another year at NIU. He is better off developing on an NFL roster. Hopefully, he loves playing at NIU and wants to be a part of a special team next year and decide to stay.

(12-01-2018 07:03 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 06:18 PM)NIU-32 Wrote:  I will be surprised if he even gets drafted. Hate to say it. He’s too undersized to be confidently drafted high as an OLB/DE. If he has to change positions, he won’t be drafted. Teams generally will not spend a draft pick on a player that they will ask to change positions, especially such a big change from D line to DB.

He will definitely be drafted. He will go as high as the third round this year and bottom out at the fifth round at worst. He won’t improve his draft status by playing another year at NIU. He is better off developing on an NFL roster. Hopefully, he loves playing at NIU and wants to be a part of a special team next year and decide to stay.

Forgive me ... I am more pragmatic than romantic ..but wouldn’t we all argue that once a huskie, always a huskie? The first part of your paragraph I agree with but in the context of the violent game we enjoy, we as adults should be nothing but encouraging smith or anyone to make the best economic risk/ reward tradeoff ... he’s not improving his stock by staying... to say he hopefully stays is selfish ... go huskies and get outta dekalb without any additional tread off the tires

I hope he stays but I don't get a vote.

(12-01-2018 06:47 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 06:39 PM)Dtownboys Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 06:14 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 05:04 PM)JKHuskie45 Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 05:00 PM)Boggs747474 Wrote:  Is it a forgone conclusion that he is going into draft or moving to P5 school? The engagement thing really makes me believe he is gone. Was hoping with him back for another year and another year for Childress to grow could be something special next year.

I personally do not think he is gone. Unless you are a high draft pick, where big money is guaranteed, why would you declare early?

I saw Mel Kiper rankings of best College DE and OLB's and he was not even listed. Do I agree with this? Hell NO, he is a stud, but apparently the NFL may not be completely sold on him, which to me, wise choice would be stay in school and build your NFL resume even more. We shall see.

6'1" 235 lb. DEs don't tend to get a lot of pre-draft air.

It’s considered an outside LB in the NFL and would have to be in a 3-4 defense. Difference between him and Khalil Mack or Clay Matthews is they are 6’3. Which instead of a 1st round grade might give him a later round grade and no guarantee of a roster spot. I could see him play special teams too while he develops in a system. I hope he stays but have doubts.

Don't get me wrong, if he has a shot at getting drafted and actually wants to pursue that path, then he should do it and I would totally support that. There is zero reason to play another year for free (yeah...I know) when you could do so at the next level (even though he wouldn't be playing regularly and probably only on special teams) and getting paid to do so. It's a no-brainer choice.

With that said, does anyone actually know if he's intent or has a strong enough desire to go pro? I'm not sure what his status is in school in regards to graduation. I believe he's a Business Communications major and, tbh, I never really know what that means or what it leads to. But, considering he just got engaged, he may just want to finish school, graduate and start his life with the lady. I don't pretend to know his motivations, but skipping out on school and then trying to finish later, especially if he's close to graduation.

He’s said the nfl is his goal and dream. Would love to see him part of next year’s team but I don’t get a vote either.

(12-01-2018 07:22 PM)jjprender Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 07:03 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  

(12-01-2018 06:18 PM)NIU-32 Wrote:  I will be surprised if he even gets drafted. Hate to say it. He’s too undersized to be confidently drafted high as an OLB/DE. If he has to change positions, he won’t be drafted. Teams generally will not spend a draft pick on a player that they will ask to change positions, especially such a big change from D line to DB.

He will definitely be drafted. He will go as high as the third round this year and bottom out at the fifth round at worst. He won’t improve his draft status by playing another year at NIU. He is better off developing on an NFL roster. Hopefully, he loves playing at NIU and wants to be a part of a special team next year and decide to stay.

Forgive me ... I am more pragmatic than romantic ..but wouldn’t we all argue that once a huskie, always a huskie? The first part of your paragraph I agree with but in the context of the violent game we enjoy, we as adults should be nothing but encouraging smith or anyone to make the best economic risk/ reward tradeoff ... he’s not improving his stock by staying... to say he hopefully stays is selfish ... go huskies and get outta dekalb without any additional tread off the tires

As a Huskie fan, I hope he stays. I have no guilt in wanting a great player to play another year for a school I love. I readily admit I’m selfish. I will harbor no ill will if he leaves and root like hell for him. I believe he will be an awesome NFL player and make a lot of money.