Scouting Report: Strengths

• Has a filled-out frame with good thickness. Plays at full speed at all times with an active motor and determined quickness in pursuit.
• He’s very good in coverage when looking into the backfield in zone coverage.
• Tougher between the tackles than many expect. Fluid and quick drop into zone, covers enough ground to be Tampa-2 "MIKE" and knows where the markers are.
• Smalls explodes off the line of scrimmage, playing with a low pad level and violent hands. He converts speed to power effectively enough to put an offensive lineman into the QB’s lap.
• He’s outstanding on the blitz, showing initial burst and quickness with his first step, with the core strength to bounce off blocks and overpower backs in blitz pickup, closing fast on the quarterback.
• Smalls has value as an inside blitzer as well, showing the initial burst to shoot through gaps and disrupt the backfield.
• Good all-around athlete with very good short-area quickness and fluidity. Very good playing strength and has worked hard in the weight room, adding bulk and filling out his frame.