NFL Draft Profile: Keidron Smith, Cornerback, Kentucky Wildcats
Keidron Smith
Kentucky Wildcats
#20
Pos: CB
Ht: 6015
Wt: 203
Hand: 948
Arm: 3200
Wing: 7668
40: 4.60
DOB: 11/1/1999
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
High School: Oxbridge Academy
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
Smith possesses the ideal size and experience to become an immediate depth player at the next level as a versatile boundary corner who excels covering big and physical receivers
Evaluation:
Smith is a big and experienced cornerback, appearing in 60 career games and starting in 47 of them. Smith is comfortable playing off man as he lacks true long speed to keep up with explosive deep threat playmakers. He is at his best when he can put his hands on receivers to disrupt the timing and rhythm of the play. This allows him to use his size to try and body his opponent throughout the route. It is noticeable on deep crossers in man coverage that he can lose the receiver while cutting through traffic. When playing off man, Smith consistently shows good vision and eyes to watch the quarterback and jump short routes when the opportunity arises. Receivers can gain separation on Smith by cutting inside or outside while he is in his backpedal as he struggles to change directions directly due to his size and average foot speed. He does have a tendency to grab and be over-physical when he is about to be beaten. In the run and screen game, Smith can identify the play quickly and put himself in a good position to make the tackle, although he may not always make the play. Smith can be broken down when tackling in the open field against runners due to hip flexibility and transitioning different directions quickly.
Grade:
4th Round
Background:
Originally from West Palm Beach, Florida. He attended Oxbridge Academy and was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports. Began his college career at Ole Miss. As a freshman, he played in all twelve games, totaling forty seven tackles. During sophomore year, played in all twelve games, totaling forty eight tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles, one interception, and eight pass breakups, which ranked first on the team. During the shortened 2020 season, he started all ten games, totaling sixty four tackles, which ranked second on the team, and one interception. During the following season, he played in thirteen games, totaling sixty five tackles, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Transferred to the University of Kentucky prior to the 2022 season. As a senior, he played in thirteen games, totaling forty six tackles, one forced fumble, and two interceptions.
