Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Who The Patriots Should Select in Round 3 of the NFL Draft

By Riley Culler

Oct 3, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Dawuane Smoot (91) sacks Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) at Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini won 14 - 13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Dawuane Smoot (91) sacks Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) at Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini won 14 - 13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next

No. 96 – DE Dawuane Smoot

Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Dawuane Smoot is very similar to Williams despite being heavier and shorter. Also known for a quick step and incredible ability to bend around the edge, Smoot is a very proficient pass rusher.

Some might consider Smoot and tweener because of his bulk, being able to play DE or DT, but Smoot wasn’t always this heavy. He added 40 pounds before his sophomore season, so despite being 264 he’s an edge rusher at heart.

Here’s what one NFL scout had to say about him:

"“He had a better year (in 2015). I think you have to take last year’s tape into account when you study him. He was lighter this year, which took some of his power away, I thought. He was coached by Lovie (Smith) and that will give him a head-start.”"

Smoot didn’t get that much recognition in college playing for a sub par Illinois team, but being coached by Lovie Smith who some consider a defensive guru is a huge plus.

Next: NBA Playoffs: 5 Reasons the Boston Celtics have Won 3 Straight Games

Image if the Patriots draft him, going from being coached by Lovie Smith to Bill Belichick, that’s two pretty good mentors.

Home/New England Patriots