E.J. Smith RB Stanford | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
E.J. Smith RB Stanford
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Third-Down Back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 12/10/2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.70 seconds (11%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ROLE: Third-Down Back | |
| Last Updated: 12/10/2023 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.70 seconds (11%*) | |
|
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
|
| Overall Rating: |
75.0 / 100
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
|
77% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Rushing: |
|
75% |
| Break Tackles: |
|
75% |
| Receiving/Hands: |
|
75% |
| Pass Blocking: |
|
75% |
| Run Blocking: |
|
75% |
|
DRAFT PROJECTION:
5th
Overall Rank:
#155
Position rank:
#9
|
||
| College Games: 21 College Snaps: 563 | ||
ESPN RATING: 85/100
|
||
|
247 RATING: 95/100
|
||
Draft Profile: Bio
E.J. Smith from Jesuit High School was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 4-star grade by 247 Sports. Following high school, Smith joined Stanford.In 2021 as a freshman Smith saw action in 7 games for the Cardinal as he ran for only 133 yards on 26 attempts for an impressive 5.1 yards per carry, with one TD, with no fumbles. As a receiver he made 16 receptions for 72 yards.
As a sophomore in 2022 he played just 2 games. and rushed for 207 yards on 30 carries for an elite 6.9 ypc, with 3 TDs, with 3 fumbles. In the passing game he pulled in only 8 receptions for 63 yards.
In 2023 as a junior Smith saw action in 12 games for the Cardinal. He ran for 218 yards on 53 attempts for 4.1 ypc, with one TD, with no fumbles. As a receiver he made 33 receptions for 242 yards.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- He’s a natural pass catcher, at his best pulling in swing passes and heading upfield. He’s a natural in the screen game as well. His hands are good enough that Smith can line up in the slot.
- Has good burst to and through the hole. A patient runner with good vision and burst for the cutback. Squares his shoulders and can knock the defender back onto his heels. Good leg drive and forward lean to gain extra yardage after contact.
- Not truly explosive, but possesses enough speed to beat linebacker to the edge.
- Demonstrated the ability to track the ball over his shoulder. Good flexibility and balance to adjust to the poorly thrown pass. Good vision and patience for screens.
- His competitiveness and knack for high-pointing the ball allow him to play bigger than his size.
- Does not possess top breakaway speed, though he's rarely caught from behind.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Smith has a slight build, especially for a running back, and Smith isn’t going to grind out yardage between the tackles, as he lacks power and runs with a fairly high pad level.
- Lacks great speed to consistently threaten the edge and can be caught from behind. Indecisive when the hole isn't there.
- He needs a few steps to get going with limited burst and foot speed. Has an inconsistent feel eluding tacklers and doesn't create a lot on his own. Smith doesn't display much power to push the pile or consistently break tackles.
How other scouting services rate E.J. Smith (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
156.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
9.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.