Panthers work out Willie Smith OT - ECU

[Lout]

Anyone heard of him? Or seen him play?

Panthers | Worked out Willie Smith

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:06:34 -0700

The Carolina Panthers have conducted a private workout with East Carolina OT Willie Smith, reports Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune.

Read more: http://www.kffl.com/hotw/NFL?page=2#ixzz1IHxj1aWF

[DOUBLETROUBLE33]

Yeah, I have seen him play his entire college career. He has been a very consistent lineman for us but obviously cant remember any real specific highlights since no one is really watching an offensive lineman in the middle of games.

[Ricky Spanish]

i say take him. it'll be nice to have some pirate blood in the panther's lineup

[MHS831]

A tall, long-armed kid with a thick, broad lower half and has the frame to add even more girth and strength without losing any athleticism. Displays impressive flexibility and bend in his lower half. Does a great job sitting into his stance, keeping his base down through the play and consistently gaining leverage on contact. Is a gifted athlete in all areas of the game. Exhibits good range off the edge, has the ability to fluidly slide his feet and mirror through contact and in space and is a tough guy to gain penetration on. Does a nice job keeping his hands up ready to strike, unleash a compact punch, displays good hand placement and works well to stay on blocks. Is still raw from a footwork standpoint. Displays compact, clean footing when asked to slide, but plays in the Texas Tech type offense and is asked to simply just back-pedal off the line and there is no real kick-slide on his drop. However, he's a naturally balanced individual who has great movement skills and grace and should be able to quickly pick up the nuances of a kick-slide with some NFL coaching. Possesses good anchor strength as well, has the ability to get a bit stronger in both the upper and lower body, but plays with proper leverage, extends his long arms making it tough for defenders to get into his frame and is tough to push off the snap.

Is a gifted run blocker as well. Has a good first step off the snap, looks fluid on the move and does a great job reaching and breaking down on contact in space. Is very clean when asked to get his feet around and reach block and has the coordination to stay with defenders on slide down blocks as well. Lacks ideal power in his upper body and will have a tough time holding off defenders if they have a step on him with his upper half. However, he does have strong hands as an in-line guy, can gain leverage on contact and works his legs well to turn defenders from the play. Isn't a dominant in-line blocker, but has the pad level and potential to add more strength and become very proficient in that area as well.

Impression: Is only starting to scratch the surface of his potential. Possesses an excellent frame, is a gifted athlete and bends extremely well for the position. Needs some time to develop, but I definitely see this guy with starting ability if he continues to improve.

National Football post

I have been hoping for weeks that we draft this guy in the fifth or sixth. He is a late round project who can play LT, could be groomed to take over when Gross gets old. Has all the tools, just raw. 4 other teams have worked him out

[OneBadassCat]

What round is he projected to go?

[monstercat]

We definitely need a guard, and probably a RT, if Otah can't get back on the field. I'm sure they're looking at a lot of O-linemen that could possibly be had in the later rounds...especially one's who are versatile enough to play guard and tackle.

[Lout]

He is projected to be a 7th rounder.. possibly an UDFA.. it also looks like he wasn't invited to the combine.

[Urrymonster]

What round is he projected to go?

Late rounds, but could rise due to his potential.

Essentially a converted DLine player, so his exceptional physically just pretty raw technique wise. He apparently has moments where his technique is pretty damn good, just he doesn't have consistency yet.

Real good project right there.