Alphonso Smith (CB) Wake Forest
Height & Weight: 5'9, 193 lbs.
Combine Results:
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.47
- Bench Press: 13
- Vertical Jump: 34
- Broad Jump: 10'5
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.38
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.09
Positives: Smith is a big player in a small package. He is very fast with explosive agility. He breaks well on the ball once it's released, and has great hands. Not scared to jam a larger receiver and be very physical with them. Also not afraid to be on an island, and can hold his own while staying shoulder to shoulder with any receiver he covers. Likes to help out against the run, and will often go after the ball carrier. Will try to strip the ball when gang tackling or at the bottom of a pile. Eyes are usually on the quarterback, and is able to adjust quickly to the ball's direction. Once he picks off a pass, he is a very dangerous returner, and may help on punt returns as well.
Negatives: Alphonso is short for a corner, and may struggle against larger, physical receivers. Although he had a great vertical jump at the combine, he may not be able to out-jump a tall receiver in the endzone. May have a hard time winning a battle for the ball with stronger receivers. Struggles with wide receiver blocks on running plays as well. Not a great tackler.
Overview: Smith is probably the 3rd or 4th best cornerback in the draft. His great speed and physicality with receivers may make him a first round pick. He's been projected as the Cardinals 1st round pick in the past, but now that they have signed Bryant McFadden, that could change. There is a possibility of his stock falling, only reason being his size. If he fell to the 2nd round, the Cardinals would surely have to contemplate taking him.
Projected Round: Late 1st Round - Mid 2nd Round
Why he should be a Cardinal and how he fits into the defense...
Why he should be a Cardinal: Smith should be a Cardinal because he and DRC could eventually establish themselves as the top-two cornerbacks in the league. Both are very similar, and would complement each other. Smith would also bring depth to the secondary and give the Cardinals options if Hood or McFadden were to sign with another team in the next 2 years.
How he fits into the defense: He would fit into the Cardinals defense in the Nickel cornerback role. That role would allow his ball-hawking skills to be used effectively, along with his return skills if he were to intercept any passes. It would give him a chance to develop and learn from the more experienced corners as well. Smith is very quick with a lot of agility, and it would also be a benefit to have him return punts on special teams.
Similar NFL Players: Dre Bly, DRC, Leodis McKelvin, Josh Wilson
They’re going to get a player that’s extremely smart, understands the game, works extremely hard and they get a natural winner. All my life, I’ve been a winner. All my life, I’ve had this attitude where I don’t care who you are, where you’ve been, who your father is, who you play for, I don’t care. It’s me vs. you, and I’m going to try and come out on top. That goes for everyone.
Highlights vs Florida State: