NFL Draft Profile: Terell Smith, Cornerback, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Terell Smith
Minnesota Gophers
#4
Pos: CB
Ht: 6004
Wt: 204
Hand: 0900
Arm: 3278
Wing: 7668
40: 4.41
DOB: 9/27/1999
Hometown: Snellville, GA
High School: South Gwinnett
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
Terrell Smith has ideal size and arm length as a boundary cornerback with above-average long speed who can develop to play in a variety of systems as a depth player
Evaluation:
Terrell “T-Time” Smith possesses above-average size and arm length. Smith compliments his size well with above-average athleticism and long speed - he ran a 20.84 200M and 10.39 100M in high school. Against the pass, Smith is versatile, where he can go from lining up in press man to off zone on any given play. He has the long speed to keep up with receivers downfield, especially on streaks and vertical routes, to stay on their hip and use the sideline to his advantage. In man and zone coverage on plays in front of him, Smith displays great closing speed on receivers. He shows good hands throughout a receiver's route but has a tendency to use them too much and get called for holdings and pass interference. Smith has slight hip tightness, which makes him take an extra half second when changing direction. On play-action, he will leave his eyes on the backfield too long and can be slow on his play recognition. Smith would benefit from working on his ball skills as he puts himself in good positions with his athleticism. He is a capable blitzer even though, in moments, he can overthink what he is seeing, delaying his timing on the play. He displays great long speed to cover fast receivers, but the small tightness in his hips gives him a disadvantage in short-area quickness. Smith does not have strong enough hands or punch to fight through receivers and knock the ball out after it is caught. Against the run, Smith leaves much to be desired. He is an average tackler who does not attack the ball carrier often shadowing away from contact. Physicality is not his strong suit and will not outmatch blockers to make a play on the runner as well as to compete on jump balls. When plays do not involve him or on the opposite side of the field, he tends to simply go through the motions and not run himself into the play.
Grade:
6th Round
Background:
Originally from Snellville, Georgia. He attended South Gwinnett High School and was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports. Played at the University of Minnesota. As a freshman, he played in nine games, totaling forty-three tackles and one interception. During his sophomore season, he played in nine games, totaling nine tackles. As a senior, he played ten games and missed part of the season due to injury. During the 2021 season, he totaled sixteen tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery. He decided to use his extra year of eligibility. He had an outstanding season, playing in thirteen games, totaling thirty-eight tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.
