Andre Smith, OT -- Turning it around?

[Raider Nation]

Story from NFL.com

ATLANTA -- The train wreck that was supposed to be Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith walked down the 20-or-so steps into the old-school, basement gym that isn't for the feint of heart or the uncommitted. Smith, who had acquired the train-wreck tag after showing up to the combine nearly two weeks ago out of shape, had been a top prospect.

His unexpected exit on the day he was scheduled to go through drills in front of coaches, scouts and general managers at the Indianapolis showcase event only enhanced perceptions that Smith might not be worth the investment of millions of dollars, even though he had been the most dominant offensive lineman in college football.

Shortly before 7 a.m., the train wreck finally made it to the gym floor and it was clear that something was wrong. This was the guy who was supposed to make Santa Claus look like he was on Jenny Craig? Smith was tall, hardly fat and sloppy, and by all accounts, the prototypical body type of an Outland Trophy winner and a starting NFL left tackle.

"You can look at him now and see that he's been working extremely hard and he's focused," Smith said, as if playing the role of an NFL general manager evaluating him. "He's not just sitting around not working out; he's grabbed life by the horns and going all out."

Smith was put through a grueling, unorthodox, one-hour workout by gym owner Ty "Ropeman" Felder, the NFL's trainer to the stars. Ray Lewis, John Abraham, Laveranues Coles, Shannon Sharpe and at least a dozen other current and former pro players are among his clientele. This day, it was biceps, triceps, and cardio. Smith and four others did multiple sets of 100 repetitions, alternating high steps on a 2½-foot support bar on a machine designed for a chest lift. Brutal.

"What are you waiting for? The second round?" Felder screamed at Smith, who looked back at hisd trainer as if he'd rather chew glass than do the final 200-repetition set of a grueling drill.

Smith popped off the required amount like he was a drum major on Red Bull. Nothing to it. This supposed slouch was fluid and motivated. The session ended with 10 sets of 50 sit-ups. Ropeman pointed to the door at the back of the gym in case Smith needed to puke. All he got was a belch, a smile and a "see you tomorrow."

In between those workouts, Smith has an evening track and agility session with two coaches who work with pro athletes in the Atlanta area. Six times a week in this old-school sweatbox of a gym in the morning. At least three times a week on the track. Smith is serious.

Now.

Prior to the combine, the Alabama tackle was with other prospects in Pensacola, Fla., supposedly training. He admittedly wasn't working hard enough or staying disciplined with his eating habits. He switched to Felder and moved to Atlanta the week before the combine but said he wasn't in good enough shape to perform at the NFL's crucial job audition.

During interviews at the combine, Smith told teams he wouldn't work out in Indianapolis. But he failed to inform combine officials that he was leaving town to continue training with Felder on the day offensive linemen were set to go through drills. He was announced as AWOL, a frenzy to find him ensued, and he was quickly dubbed this year's combine knucklehead.

His decision to bolt the combine followed his suspension from the Sugar Bowl, which stemmed from him having illegal contact with an agent. Smith's decision-making was, and is, being rightfully questioned. Publicly, he hasn't been given a pass because he's the only major prospect whose judgment went so awry, a pattern of behavior NFL teams find difficult to ignore.

"Prior to those things at Alabama, I never had issues as far me missing anything, never had a character issue," Smith said. "I just felt like I made a bad business decision as far as leaving the combine and not telling anyone. As far as a football decision, I think I made the best decision I could possibly make. I was so excited to come back and start a workout and get ready for my pro day (on) March 11. I would never want to insult anybody by just getting up and leaving like that. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't have handled it like that."

As much heat as Smith has taken publicly, teams haven't bailed on him. After all, he was considered the best offensive lineman just a few weeks ago and there is a premium on left tackles in the NFL.

"I talked to several teams, actually," Smith said. "A couple teams called me the day after to make sure everything was alright. It was good to hear from those guys."

Several interviews and private workouts have been arranged already, including one with the Cincinnati Bengals, who hold the sixth overall pick. At least one St. Louis assistant coach –- the Rams have the second overall pick and want to beef up their line -– has scheduled a private meeting with Smith at his pro day next week at the University of Alabama.

Most prospects valued as highly as Smith tend not to schedule interviews or private workouts with teams outside of the top 10, but because of the potential damage Smith might have caused himself at the combine, his list has been expanded. Philadelphia, which has the 20th and 28th picks in the first round, could be in that group. There are some who believe the Eagles, in need of a left tackle, could attempt to trade up to get Smith.

Among the tackles with top-10 potential in next month's draft are Andre Smith, Baylor's Jason Smith, Michael Oher of Ole Miss and Virginia's Eugene Monroe. Though teams are showing faith that one bad weekend didn't ruin a dominant three-year body of work, Smith knows that his pro-day performance is of the utmost importance, as are his follow-up interviews.

"That's No. 1 on my priority list," Smith said. "There's so much I'm putting into March 11. They say don't put all your eggs in one basket but I'm doing that on this occasion because I feel like I need to give the best showing I can."

Still, why should an NFL team guarantee him $20 million to $30 million with everything that's gone on the past few months?

"I'm going to do whatever it takes to protect my quarterback," Smith said. "I consider the quarterback like my mother. As a person in life, you don't want anybody to hit your mother so you'll go through any means necessary to protect your mom. I'm a hard worker -- on and off the field."

Smith said his weight is in the "320s" (he weighed 332 at the combine) and that his stamina is where it needs to be. Felder said Smith's weight is closer to 330 pounds but it is being worn on a leaner and stronger frame than just a few weeks ago. Losing too much weight to impress scouts isn't healthy. Any weight loss can be made over time, but that might not be necessary, Felder said.

"When I first got him three weeks ago, his conditioning wasn't good, you could tell he hadn't been training hard," Felder said. "He's about 95 percent of where he needs to be. I'd put him against anyone his size right now, and keep in mind the type of guys I work with. I wish I would have had him for the past two months."

[hawaiianboy]

Gone by 7 now it looks like.

[NIPS]

Dudes got some long ass arms

I still question whether he is "self motivated" or needs a trainer to take him by the hand. Ones gotta wonder what will happen once he gets paid fat stacks. He is a dominant run blocker, gotta give him that. Bama's a run oriented team no? Wonder if we'ver really seen enough of his pass blocking skills.

[s.dot88]

im not all that sure about him

i think the story about him leaaving the combine was way overblown, and could have easily been a miscommunication. if he wasnt going to do drills, what was the point of him being there? i'd rather have him working out and being productive anyway.

the things im not sure about are how he fits in this scheme, and the fact that the few times i did watch him he was anything but dominant. In the 3 games I had seen, he was a mauler of a run blocker, but he wasnt a lockdown pass blocker by any means. The ZBS will make holes on its own, but i think at this point we really need a guy to not just keep JR upright, but give him a comfortable amount of time to throw.

now im not saying we should pass on him strictly because he doesnt fit into the ZBS, because with the way coaches come and go, who knows how long that system will be in place. But from what i have seen of him, which admittedly isnt much, i dont know if i take him at 7. But like always, i think in a trade down he'd be one of the better moves we could make.

[CrossBones]

Somebody in the top five is gonna take a chance on this guy. He's got talent. Whether he gets his act together is the risk that's in question. But somebody will take that chance.

[007]

If he gets past us, Philly could trade their picks to get into that 10-13 range and nab him.

[NIPS]

If he gets past us, Philly could trade their picks to get into that 10-13 range and nab him.

Intresting Bonds- very interesting

Eagles hold #21 & 28, 800 & 660 points

Raiders #7 = 1500 pts

Vikings pick 22, and word is Alex Mack is their top guy

I'd have no problem trading that 7th pick for the Eagles 2 picks if they are hard up for Andre Smith and he's there at #7

Could land 3 starters by the 41st pick

[CrossBones]

Could land 3 starters by the 41st pickThat's a good way to get better faster. Too bad Al would never trade down.

[007]

Imagine getting Mack, Britton and Britt in the top 40 picks?

Or Mack, Michael Johnson and Ron Brace to solidify the lines?

I would love to see us do it, but I don't see the Raiders trading into the twenties in this draft.

[s.dot88]

If we pick 21, 28 and 40 i'd love to see us go Mack, HeyBey/Robiskie, Brace

but like CB said, we're probably the last team that would trade down

[hawaiianboy]

If he gets past us, Philly could trade their picks to get into that 10-13 range and nab him.


So Philly's line would go Andre Smith, Herremans, Jamaal Jackson and the ginormous Andrews brothers on the right side? All 330+ maulers... Now THAT's what I'm talking about... Screw this cut the knees, have your linemen on the Atkins diet, zone blocking bullshit...

[NIPS]

Imagine getting Mack, Britton and Britt in the top 40 picks?

Or Mack, Michael Johnson and Ron Brace to solidify the lines?

I would love to see us do it, but I don't see the Raiders trading into the twenties in this draft.


That'd be real nice, just dont see it happening unfortunately. I just dont see Al Davis trading down

It's too bad, we wont be seeing Mack in a Raider uniform unless he's taken at #7, and that aint gonna happen

Antoine Caldwell I love from Bama, 1st Bama football player to graduate in just 3 years, dude is sharp as a tack, student of the game, always on time, film room junkie and speaks well, good character guy. We need players like him on this team

Real good pick in rd 3. A.Q Shipley is another ZBS Center, arms are a little short but he gets it done

Either of thos in rd 3 will work for me

Back to your idea, if it were to happen?

I go

Mack - C
Duke Robinson - G
Ron Brace - DT
Alex Boone - RT

Thats alot of nastiness right there

I dont see a whole lot of defensive value from 15-32

[brick]

Antoine Caldwell I love from Bama, 1st Bama football player to graduate in just 3 years, dude is sharp as a tack, student of the game, always on time, film room junkie and speaks well, good character guy. We need players like him on this team


I'll second you on the Caldwell love, guy is just explosive. He is getting knocked right now for a less than stellar showing in the bench press at the combine. But his expolive numbers (broad jump especially) were off the charts.

Give me a center who comes off the ball the way he does with a good head on his shoulders before the guy who can bench press a house.

I'd still prefer Mack who is a better technichian, but Caldwell is currently underrated in a strong group of centers, at least IMO.

[jatfly]

I hope we don't take a chance on Smith, I am sorry but you can't do what he did at the combine and spend a pick in the top 30 for him.
He doesn't deserve it, also what happens for following drafts, guys will see this and then next years combine they will have a bad bench press or something and then just but out with well I wasn't ready and say well I have to quit.....
F him and his lazy ass. He isn't the best player at 7 there is no way.
I would rather pick a guy that at least works hard and becomes a bust then someone he is lazy and we pay him all this cash to see if he will decide to work harder after we pay him millions.........

[Madturk]

That'd be real nice, just dont see it happening unfortunately. I just dont see Al Davis trading down

It's too bad, we wont be seeing Mack in a Raider uniform unless he's taken at #7, and that aint gonna happen



Well Al has taken a diff approach thus far this offseason so I guess anything is possible, especially if we nab an OT and a legit WR during FA. I'm still holding out hope for a Pace/Holt deal, probably wishful thinking but that would open up a ton of options in the draft.

I wouldn't rule out Mack either. If there's a guy Al wants, he'll make a strong play for him. Probably not at 7 but a trade up back into the 1sy is entirely plausible.

[massraider]

Not sure this article is any proof that Andre has mended NFL fences. It's nice he's working out, but his Pro Day will mean a lot more to me. As will any commetns we get from scouts about how he fares with interviews.


There does seem to be a perfect situation brewing where an Andre Smith falls a bit, and team with two first rounders (Eagles) have a need at OT.

Not sure if #7 is low enough for him to drop for the Eagles to really get involved, no matter what the draft chart says. If he drops to 12-13, the Eagles may be able to grab him, and keep one of their picks.


I hear all the talk about Mack, but the fact is that interior linemen drop, and there are several C's highly rated this year. Think I'd prefer Crabtree/Unger to some trade down where we wind up with Mack and some lesser WR.

Would not surprise me if Mack/Unger/Wood all there when we pick in the 2nd round.

[BigTron]

People sure are buying into A.Smith's "recovery" haha. This guy is obviously stupid and unmotivated. 1st he gets banned from the big bowl game for talking to an agent. That was stupid. But if your going to do that shouldnt you at least understand the draft process? He thne shows up outta shape to give lame excuses and terrible teams interviews. All the teams he interviewed with gave him bad reviews. THEN the dude leaves the combine unannounced... He has some obvious issues doing simple shit. If he cant handle showing up to this to make himself millions... whats he gonna do when he is filthy rich. Should he be rewarded this early in his career even tho he obviously isnt mature.

[007]

Im gonna go on record and say he tears up his Pro Day tomorrow.

Jamie Dukes just said on NFLN that he's still the #1 OT in this draft and he's the only OT who can physically move NFL DE's around at will. He said his weakness is his hand placement, which can be tought in year one. Funny how he's been bouncing around like a ping pong ball on other peoples draft rankings.

Mayock then said he's an NFL RT who got 'eaten alive' by Robert Ayers during the year...I checked the stats and Ayers had 0 sacks and 3 tackles in the game. Im really starting to question some experts opinions on OL. (Didnt Mayock say early on that he hadnt seen much of Andre Smith?)

[Byron2112]

Jamie Dukes?

WTF 007??

You start selling Jamie Dukes as some kind of authority, you're gonna have to gimme back that Lil' Al throne I lent ya. :D

[hawaiianboy]

Funny how he's been bouncing around like a ping pong ball on other peoples draft rankings.


Let the record show that I never dropped either Dre or Rey Maualuga like the other monkey see, monkey do mock drafters... :D

[BigTron]

Im gonna go on record and say he tears up his Pro Day tomorrow.

Jamie Dukes just said on NFLN that he's still the #1 OT in this draft and he's the only OT who can physically move NFL DE's around at will. He said his weakness is his hand placement, which can be tought in year one. Funny how he's been bouncing around like a ping pong ball on other peoples draft rankings.

Mayock then said he's an NFL RT who got 'eaten alive' by Robert Ayers during the year...I checked the stats and Ayers had 0 sacks and 3 tackles in the game. Im really starting to question some experts opinions on OL. (Didnt Mayock say early on that he hadnt seen much of Andre Smith?)

Mayock talks way too much shit. So does Dukes but at least he isnt a "draft expert." Andre Smith is a mauler in the run game and may be the best OL in this draft. I personally have seen him look sloppy pass blocking quick DE's, but no prospect is perfect. I have very little problems with his play, i worry about giving him a ton of money tho. He might be a terd of the field.

[CrossBones]

Two Li'l Al winners pissing in each other's Chierros. Bwahahahaha. :righton:

[007]

Let the record show that I never dropped either Dre or Rey Maualuga like the other monkey see, monkey do mock drafters... :D


I still like Andre Smith and have always said he's probably the most talented OL in this draft. Him dissapearing at the combine worries me, but I still think he's got what it takes to be a good one.

Rey is another story. We've argued about him before, and he's done nothing at the senior bowl or combine (Other than looking like the 3rd or 4th best LB USC has) to change my opinion.

He isnt Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher. I think he's a two down thumper in a 4-3 or a capable 3-4 ILB. He might be a vocal leader, and a rah rah type of leader, but his skill set doesnt translate that smoothly to the NFL.

USC's defense the last couple seasons would have been a top ten unit in the NFL, LOL.

I wouldnt draft Rey in round one, personally.

[007]

Jamie Dukes?

WTF 007??

You start selling Jamie Dukes as some kind of authority, you're gonna have to gimme back that Lil' Al throne I lent ya. :D

I think he's a doucher for sure, but if there is one position he might know, it's offensive line...

He broke down Andre Smith pretty well, and held his own against Mayock during their 'debate'.

[jatfly]

REALLY???? TURNING IT AROUND??? REALLY???

PLEASE AL DON'T DRAFT THIS LAZY SLOB!

Andre Smith-T- Player Mar. 11 - 2:12 pm et


Alabama OL Andre Smith benched 225 lbs. only 19 times at the Crimson Tide Pro Day Wednesday.
Smith's long arms make benching more difficult, but this is certainly fewer reps than expected. Smith's reputation is as a punishing, powerful run blocker. We would've bet on something in the 25-30 range. His 5.28 forty is more respectable, although he's probably not back in the top-five mix.
Source: NFL.com

[007]

40 time similiar to Oher and a BP number a few behind Eugene Monroe (23).

A little dissapointing, but I don't think he'll be destroyed by those numbers...

[BigTron]

40 time similiar to Oher and a BP number a few behind Eugene Monroe (23).

A little dissapointing, but I don't think he'll be destroyed by those numbers...

Yeah I dont think that workout did much for his stock. He is still going to be a top 15 guy maybe top 6-10 if a team wants to gamble on important position. I personally think WR is looking more and more likely.

[Freakshow]

NFL Network's "Path to the Draft" last night showed clips of Andre' working out with his trainer and from the looks of things, it's no wonder why he could only get up 19 reps! Hell, that's my personal best and I go 195, lol.

This old greasy mf'r had him doing all sorts of timed stuff like rapid jump switches and modified high-pulls as fast as he could. Those types of lifts might play a role with muscular endurance but certainly won't produce big-time force output. I only caught a snippet but it looked like the focus was on calorie burning...and that's a whole nuther conversation.

[Byron2112]

Smith with the serious floppy titties on the NFLN coverage of his pro day.

We're talking saggy gramma torpedoes... even the TV guys were saying he did himself no favors running the 40 with his short off... it was brutal...

[CrossBones]

According to the "experts" Smith cost himself millions today.

However, Mayock (just now on NFLN) says look for the Raiders to take him at #7.

[massraider]

According to the "experts" Smith cost himself millions today.

However, Mayock (just now on NFLN) says look for the Raiders to take him at #7.

Well, if someone was of the opinion that the Raiders rely on workout numbers too much, and don't draft enough "football players", that someone would be jumping up and down if the Raiders drafted him.

Because from everything I have read, going by game film, Andre Smith is the #1 OT, and it ain't even close.

[jatfly]

According to the "experts" Smith cost himself millions today.

However, Mayock (just now on NFLN) says look for the Raiders to take him at #7.

I hope mayock is wrong this year.....normally he is good about who we are picking.

[Raider Nation]

I hope mayock is wrong this year.....normally he is good about who we are picking.

McShay has Oakland taking him at #7 in his latest draft too.

I'm a bigger fan of him than most and, honestly, he's #2 on my list of guys behind Orakpo at the 7 pick. His risks all come away from the field (ie poor judgment). It's not like the kid is pulling a Lawrence Phillips out there (or Cecil Collins or Maurice Clarett). His risk is that he's immature and that his exit from the Combine was in front of the media.

If Nick Saban can get him to produce and be in the discussion for the #1 overall pick during the college regular season, I see no reason why Cable can't given his OL background (not to mention the new OL coach from Cal). If you can get this kid focused on the message, he's a monster at RT and a potential franchise LT if Henderson doesn't work out.

[007]

Agreed.

If he's our pick at #7, I wouldnt be upset at all.

I like Crabtree and Raji more. Orakpo and him are neck and neck for me.

[hawaiianboy]

The way I look at it had Andre Smith done everything right then we wouldn't be contemplating the possibility of him playing for the Raiders because in all likelihood he'd be the #1 overall pick...

Smith dropping down will have absolutely nothing to do with what he did on gameday or on the practice field or reflect on what kind of teammate he is... He's the guy the Ravens always seem to catch, the player that falls a lot lower than he should for post season reasons whether it's a slower than expected 40 times (Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed, Todd Heap), being smaller and less athletic than expected (Ray Lewis) or academic failures (Jerod Gaither)....

Smith is showing some immaturity so you have to decide whether his skill level and where you can get him in the draft vs where he would have gone in the draft is worth the risk... The guy is getting killed, but it's not like he's got uneven game or practice effort levels, or problems with the law or drugs... Players are more likely to out grow immaturity than they are stupidity...

[Byron2112]

The risk is he's potentially a fat, lazy, bastard that'll eat and lounge his way out of a job, which is legit when you're talking about big, sloppy, dudes like him and giving them 50 million in lunch money. He's going to have to work like he never has before at this next level to have the success that's probably always come relatively easy for him.

We need the position, and I'm not totally against the pick, but I think the risk at #7 is reasonably high, and I'd prefer to take guys that combine skill and serious work ethic... especially if they're big men.

Who's the last lineman we've drafted that had that? Wiz?

Unfortunately we probably don't have that luxury where we pick...

[hawaiianboy]

Remember that big fat sloppy looking guy that we had in Grady Jackson, who I believe struggled to put up 15 reps in the bench press but was described by Barrett Robbins and Wiz as the strongest player they had ever gone against?... That's what they call country strong, which trumps weight room strength... That's what I see in Smith, country strong... All the post season concerns are valid, but man on the field he's got some serious ability...


From Jason Jones:

Potential Raider draft pick has a down day

The reports from the Alabama tackle Andre Smith's Pro Day have been underwhelming.

He only bench-pressed 225 pounds 19 times.

His 40-yard dash times were 5.28 and 5.33 seconds according to NFL.com. He weighed in at 325 pounds and reports had him looking noticeably overweight.

I spoke to a scout prior to Smith's Pro Day and based on that discussion I was told to expect this kind of performance.

"He's not going to be strong, but on the field he's powerful," the scout said.

"And no matter what you do, he's not going to look pretty," the scout added, noting he wasn't going to have the prototype body of a Jake Long.

The scout said the Raiders, however, would be crazy to pass on Smith if were to fall to them in the draft because he's shown on the field that he's a dominant player that is rarely knocked off his feet.

"He'd struggle early but he could be their starting right tackle as a rookie," my anonymous scout said.

The Raiders still haven't fully addressed their needs at tackle. Perhaps the team will sign Orlando Pace or make a stronger play for Marvel Smith.

If that hasn't happened by late April, Smith could be there for the taking.

[Raider Nation]

We need the position, and I'm not totally against the pick, but I think the risk at #7 is reasonably high, and I'd prefer to take guys that combine skill and serious work ethic... especially if they're big men.

Who's the last lineman we've drafted that had that? Wiz?

Actually, it was probably Gallery, Grove, and Mo Collins. All of whom were touted as excellent size/speed guys who also had game tape to back it up. Work ethic was never questioned in pre-draft analyses.

[Byron2112]

Collins ate himself outta the league didn't he?

Those other two just didn't have the real stuff.

And Grady... love the guy, but ate himself out of the kinda career he was capable of, and where he was chosen it didn't matter... apples and oranges risk level.

I'm not dead set against Smith, but this is the traditional risk/reward Raider pick we're all a bit leary of IMO.

[Raider Nation]

Collins was never a physical specimen, but his exit from the NFL had more to do with a chronic degenerative knee condition (bone on bone, no cartilege left)than it did with too many Big Macs.

[s.dot88]

Much rather have Crabtree than Smith. I definitely beleive that OTs are more important than WRs, but we must strike gold with this pick and I think crabtree gives the best chance at making that happen.

[007]

For what its worth:

Pat Kirwan on Sirius today talking about Andre Smith...

Talked to two OL coaches this morning who were at the Alabama Pro Day, and both said the same thing: Andre Smith shouldnt make it outside the top 10 as of RIGHT NOW. Figures he is in the 6-10 range, and wouldnt get past San Fran at 10.

Said they were laughing because Smith stinks at everything...Except Pass blocking and run blocking. He's the only OT who is powerful at the point of attack and could come in and play on either side of the line successfully.

I found that pretty interesting...

Also said that many people are thinking Eben Britton is catching up to Mike Oher as far as the 4th ranked OT, but there is a big gap between the top 3 and the next 3...

Also said that the OL coaches he talked to said most people think the top 3 arent on Ogden or Pace's level as prospects (Obviously) and would be just above D'Brick and slightly below Samuels and McKinnie...

Just some info.

[jatfly]

Much rather have Crabtree than Smith. I definitely beleive that OTs are more important than WRs, but we must strike gold with this pick and I think crabtree gives the best chance at making that happen.

I would much rather have a rash on my cock then Smith right now....

I am telling you all if we select him I will be so pissed... and then move on!

[Madturk]

I would much rather have a rash on my cock then Smith right now....

I am telling you all if we select him I will be so pissed... and then move on!

disturbing photo

[NIPS]

disturbing photo


Hell hath no fury as man tits unleashed !!!!!!!!!!!!