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Tre’Quan Smith gives Saints a speedster
Posted on 5/8/18 at 5:42 pm
Posted on 5/8/18 at 5:42 pm
LINK
Drew Brees got another target.
The New Orleans Saints’ second ranked passing offense just got better.
With 77 draft picks between their first and second selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, the defending NFC South champions had plenty of time to think about what they wanted to do, and when it was time to declare, made their intentions known.
Former Central Florida wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith is the newest Saint.
His new teammate, Michael Thomas, let him know that much is expected of him.
“It’s SUPER BOWL OR BUST,” Thomas tweeted after Smith’s selection. “LAST YEAR WAS THE WARMUP! QUOTE IT!”
A former three star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite, ranked by the service as the No. 20 overall player in the state of Florida, Smith redshirted in his first year at school and would eventually finish as their best scout player. In 2015, Smith caught 52 passes for 724 yards and four touchdowns despite the Knights not winning a game that season. The following year, he led the team with 57 catches for 852 yards and five touchdowns, and started 13 games in 2017, surpassing 1,000 yards in the air with 13 touchdown catches.
In his final season at school, Smith nearly averaged 20 yards per catch, and his 70.8 percent catch rate on deep passes was the second best mark among all collegiate receivers, according to Pro Football Focus. Of his catches in 2017, 78 percent went for a first down, a major element the Saints could exploit as they look to remedy their third down offensive success, a point of weakness last season.
Smith ranks second in career 100-yard receiving games (11), third in career touchdown receptions (22), is tied for fifth in career receptions (168), eighth in yards per reception with 16.4, and third in career receiving yards (2,748) in Central Florida history, according to the program’s records.
Of average height at 6-foot-2, and average weight, at 203 pounds, Smith makes up for a relative lack of size with speed, finishing with a 22.41 mph showing at the Senior Bowl, the fastest mark of all prospects at the event. At the NFL’s scouting combine, Smith ran the 40 yard dash in 4.49 seconds.
The Saints were more than patient waiting for their turn in the draft order, picking Smith up at No. 91 overall, well after making their initial selection at No. 14, when they drafted Marcus Davenport.
General manager Mickey Loomis said after drafting Smith that the team was unlikely to make any more trades to move up further after their landmark dealmaking on the draft’s first night.
“We pretty much shot our gun,” Loomis said of his trade in the first round.
Here are Smith’s strengths and weaknesses, according to NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein.
STRENGTHS: “Smooth accelerator with gliding strides... Has early acceleration to create sudden throwing windows against off man... Saw 78 percent of his catches go for a first down in 2017... Possesses rare arm length for a receiver... Flashes plus ball skills... Uses wingspan and leaping ability to consistently win the high point... Once defender is stacked, he won’t let them off the hook... Will down gear and find proper positioning when tracking underthrown deep balls... Has the ability to make necessary in air adjustments... Effective use of size as a blocker... Does his part to impact running game.”
WEAKNESSES: “Athletic press defenders can put him in early sand out of release... Needs to play stronger at the top of his routes to shake harassing man coverage... Routes need more consistent play speed and better salesmanship... Despite arm length, catch radius and consistency is disappointing... Needs to get better at finishing catches outside his frame... Allowed too many catchable balls to slip away against Deatrick Nichols... Concentration and hand eye can take a downturn when he’s contested.”
Drew Brees got another target.
The New Orleans Saints’ second ranked passing offense just got better.
With 77 draft picks between their first and second selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, the defending NFC South champions had plenty of time to think about what they wanted to do, and when it was time to declare, made their intentions known.
Former Central Florida wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith is the newest Saint.
His new teammate, Michael Thomas, let him know that much is expected of him.
“It’s SUPER BOWL OR BUST,” Thomas tweeted after Smith’s selection. “LAST YEAR WAS THE WARMUP! QUOTE IT!”
A former three star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite, ranked by the service as the No. 20 overall player in the state of Florida, Smith redshirted in his first year at school and would eventually finish as their best scout player. In 2015, Smith caught 52 passes for 724 yards and four touchdowns despite the Knights not winning a game that season. The following year, he led the team with 57 catches for 852 yards and five touchdowns, and started 13 games in 2017, surpassing 1,000 yards in the air with 13 touchdown catches.
In his final season at school, Smith nearly averaged 20 yards per catch, and his 70.8 percent catch rate on deep passes was the second best mark among all collegiate receivers, according to Pro Football Focus. Of his catches in 2017, 78 percent went for a first down, a major element the Saints could exploit as they look to remedy their third down offensive success, a point of weakness last season.
Smith ranks second in career 100-yard receiving games (11), third in career touchdown receptions (22), is tied for fifth in career receptions (168), eighth in yards per reception with 16.4, and third in career receiving yards (2,748) in Central Florida history, according to the program’s records.
Of average height at 6-foot-2, and average weight, at 203 pounds, Smith makes up for a relative lack of size with speed, finishing with a 22.41 mph showing at the Senior Bowl, the fastest mark of all prospects at the event. At the NFL’s scouting combine, Smith ran the 40 yard dash in 4.49 seconds.
The Saints were more than patient waiting for their turn in the draft order, picking Smith up at No. 91 overall, well after making their initial selection at No. 14, when they drafted Marcus Davenport.
General manager Mickey Loomis said after drafting Smith that the team was unlikely to make any more trades to move up further after their landmark dealmaking on the draft’s first night.
“We pretty much shot our gun,” Loomis said of his trade in the first round.
Here are Smith’s strengths and weaknesses, according to NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein.
STRENGTHS: “Smooth accelerator with gliding strides... Has early acceleration to create sudden throwing windows against off man... Saw 78 percent of his catches go for a first down in 2017... Possesses rare arm length for a receiver... Flashes plus ball skills... Uses wingspan and leaping ability to consistently win the high point... Once defender is stacked, he won’t let them off the hook... Will down gear and find proper positioning when tracking underthrown deep balls... Has the ability to make necessary in air adjustments... Effective use of size as a blocker... Does his part to impact running game.”
WEAKNESSES: “Athletic press defenders can put him in early sand out of release... Needs to play stronger at the top of his routes to shake harassing man coverage... Routes need more consistent play speed and better salesmanship... Despite arm length, catch radius and consistency is disappointing... Needs to get better at finishing catches outside his frame... Allowed too many catchable balls to slip away against Deatrick Nichols... Concentration and hand eye can take a downturn when he’s contested.”
Posted on 5/8/18 at 6:10 pm to GMoney2600
If Meredith is healthy we have a really nice young WR corp moving forward. I think he's going to do really well here.
Posted on 5/8/18 at 7:59 pm to GMoney2600
We already have a “speedster” in ginn. Yea he’s older, but he can still fly. We need smith to become more than just a flyer
If he can contribute on 3rd downs, and become a solid possession receiver (insaw your post said 78% of his passes went for first downs, that’s absurd) we will be nearly unstoppable
If he can contribute on 3rd downs, and become a solid possession receiver (insaw your post said 78% of his passes went for first downs, that’s absurd) we will be nearly unstoppable
Posted on 5/9/18 at 4:52 am to GMoney2600
Uh, 4.49 iant all that inpressive. If it were 4.39 Id listen.
Posted on 5/9/18 at 7:16 am to Buckwheat35
Smith is a lot more than just a "speedster". He's actually not really a speedster in the traditional sense in the NFL. He's definitely no Ted Ginn in that realm. He's very quick once he gets going, but "speedster"? Wrong wording. His best attribute, IMO, are his huge hands and his high pointing of the football. I'm really intrigued by this guy after reading a little on him and seeing some clips. Tall frame, can out jump most corners, and comes down with a lot of balls that a lot of players wouldn't. Love this pick and think it's gone very under-the-radar compared to some of these other WR's. Seems to fit the perfect mold of what Brees likes in a redzone target.
This post was edited on 5/9/18 at 7:18 am
Posted on 5/9/18 at 8:44 am to Buckwheat35
quote:
4.49 iant all that inpressive. If it were 4.39 Id listen.
Yes, you're right, but the difference isn't really as big as most people make it out to be.
At 4.49 speed, Smith travels roughly 8.91 yards/second. If he had 4.39 speed, he'd travel about 9.11 yards/second. Put another way, it would take a player 5.4875 seconds to run 50 yards with 4.39 speed. A player with 4.49 speed would run 48.89 yards in the same amount of time.
Translate that to a real game scenario, let's say Smith is matched up with a cornerback who has 4.39 speed. If he catches the ball at the 50 yard line with a 2 yard lead on the cornerback, it's a touchdown. It will take Smith 5.6 seconds to run that 50 yards and the corner will run 51.1 yards in the same time.
I agree with your point that at 4.49 he isn't exactly what I would call a speedster, but let's not pretend that the difference in 4.49 vs 4.39 is huge in game speed. It can make a difference if you're running a go route, but I don't think that's how we'll use him. That's what we have Ginn for.
ETA: Here are the combine/pro day 40 yard dash times for the top 5 WRs (in yardage) in 2017:
Antonio Brown: 4.47
Julio Jones: 4.39
Keenan Allen: 4.71 (only about 80% recovered from injury at the time - previous 40 time clocked at 4.56)
DeAndre Hopkins: 4.57
Adam Thielen: 4.45
Bonus: #6 was Michael Thomas with a 40 time of 4.57
Point is, there's a lot that goes into making a good receiver. Not just a 40 time. The 5 guys above are great (and I'm not necessarily saying Smith will get to that point), but only 1 has a 40 time significantly faster than Smith.
ETA 2: Out of the 44 WRs over the last 5 years to run a sub 4.45 40 at the combine, only 3 have averaged over (or close to) a 1000 yards each season:
Brandin Cooks (Average 986 yards per year over 4 season career)
OBJ (Average 1,031 yards per year over 4 season career)
Amari Cooper (Average 968 yards per year over 3 season career)
This post was edited on 5/9/18 at 10:34 am
Posted on 5/9/18 at 8:52 am to Buckwheat35
He was the fastest WR (top end speed) at the Senior bowl. Ain't nobody chasing this cat down from behind.
Tre'Quan Smith hit a top speed of 22.41 MPH during the @SeniorBowl. Only 4 players in the NFL had a faster top speed during all of last season, per @ZebraSports: C.J. Goodwin, Chris Thompson, Ronald Darby and Marvin Hall
LINK
Tre'Quan Smith hit a top speed of 22.41 MPH during the @SeniorBowl. Only 4 players in the NFL had a faster top speed during all of last season, per @ZebraSports: C.J. Goodwin, Chris Thompson, Ronald Darby and Marvin Hall
LINK
This post was edited on 5/9/18 at 8:54 am
Posted on 5/9/18 at 8:55 am to USA Dan
quote:
He was the fastest WR (top end speed) at the Senior bowl
Another good point. Smith might not have that 40 yard time that makes your eyes pop, but he runs fast with pads on. I'll take that.
Posted on 5/9/18 at 1:52 pm to GOON
The speed isn't the only factor in being a great deep threat. YOu have to be in the ballpark of the fast guys to be in the league, 4.49 certainly qualifies as you said.
Guy isn't crazy tall, but has crazy long arms and leaping ability. His deep ball catch rate in college proves he has the ability to convert those traits into success on the field.
His blocking ability is supposed to be above average, something the Saints clearly value. He also seems to have passed the mental tests we have been using.
Even if Ginn has another year like he had, we need his replacement. Nobody else on the roster outside of our other starter has the ability to stretch the field, and praying our 34 year old maintains his health and production is a big gamble, and I'd say it's likely Ginn is done after this season anyway.
I really like this pick, he seems to have the toolset to take Ginns place and be our #2. If Meredith can get back to form and Smith pans out, not having a dominant pass catching TE won't matter. No defense in the league could match up with with our receivers and Kamara/Ingram out of the backfield, with Hill/Hooman/Watson have proven to be serviceable TEs. Offense looks like a force to be reckoned with
Guy isn't crazy tall, but has crazy long arms and leaping ability. His deep ball catch rate in college proves he has the ability to convert those traits into success on the field.
His blocking ability is supposed to be above average, something the Saints clearly value. He also seems to have passed the mental tests we have been using.
Even if Ginn has another year like he had, we need his replacement. Nobody else on the roster outside of our other starter has the ability to stretch the field, and praying our 34 year old maintains his health and production is a big gamble, and I'd say it's likely Ginn is done after this season anyway.
I really like this pick, he seems to have the toolset to take Ginns place and be our #2. If Meredith can get back to form and Smith pans out, not having a dominant pass catching TE won't matter. No defense in the league could match up with with our receivers and Kamara/Ingram out of the backfield, with Hill/Hooman/Watson have proven to be serviceable TEs. Offense looks like a force to be reckoned with
Posted on 5/9/18 at 2:01 pm to LisbethSalander
Also don't forget pads matter.
A guy who can carry the weight and run a 4.49 is faster than a smaller guy at 4.39.
A guy who can carry the weight and run a 4.49 is faster than a smaller guy at 4.39.
Posted on 5/9/18 at 2:59 pm to htran90
It's also important to note that the Senior Bowl mph is his top-end speed, which is different than a 40. That's really elite top-end speed.
Posted on 5/9/18 at 5:58 pm to Buckwheat35
quote:Odell ran a 4.43. Guess he's not fast either.
Uh, 4.49 iant all that inpressive. If it were 4.39 Id listen.
Posted on 5/10/18 at 9:49 am to GOON
If I remember correct Smith has the longest arms of the top ten WR's in the draft.
SB.
SB.
Posted on 5/10/18 at 10:01 am to goatmilker
quote:
If I remember correct Smith has the longest arms of the top ten WR's in the draft.
You are correct. Smith's arms are a full inch longer than any WR drafted before him (Smith was the 10th WR drafted).
DJ Moore: 31 5/8
Calvin Ridley: 31 5/8
Courtland Sutton: 32 3/8
Dante Pettis: 32 1/4
Christian Kirk: 30 3/8
Anthony Miller: 31 5/8
James Washington: 32 3/8
DJ Chark: 32 3/8
Michael Gallup: 31 1/2
Tre'Quan Smith: 33 3/8
However ... 5 of the WRs drafted ahead of Smith have larger hands
DJ Moore: 9 5/8
Calvin Ridley: 9 1/8
Courtland Sutton: 9 3/4
Dante Pettis: 9 1/2
Christian Kirk: 9 7/8
Anthony Miller: 10 5/8
James Washington: 9 3/4
DJ Chark: 9 1/4
Michael Gallup: 9 1/4
Tre'Quan Smith: 9 1/2
This post was edited on 5/10/18 at 10:05 am
Posted on 5/10/18 at 10:06 am to GOON
Good thing brees has a soft touch.
Posted on 5/10/18 at 10:08 am to htran90
quote:
Good thing brees has a soft touch.
This
Posted on 5/10/18 at 10:11 am to GMoney2600
quote:
Tre’Quan
This post was edited on 5/10/18 at 10:13 am
Posted on 5/10/18 at 10:44 am to Breesus
Guys,just go to Lester Earl's breakdown of Tre on his YouTube account under his alias Deuce Windham
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