MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama wide receiver Courtney Smith drew increased attention from NFL draft analysts during Tuesday’s Senior Bowl practice, with evaluations ranging from strong praise for his size and big-play ability to criticism of dropped passes and route running.
Smith, listed at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, is the first South Alabama player to take part in the Senior Bowl, which is played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, the Jaguars’ home field.
Praise From Scouting Services
Several draft analysts posted favorable reports on Courtney Smith during and after Tuesday’s workouts.
Optimum Scouting described Smith as “ultra-impressive,” pointing to a frame that allows him to make plays and saying he is rising quickly on its board. The service also said its top-rated receiver all season, Leonard Hankerson, has potential as a first-round pick.
Sideline Scouting highlighted a one-on-one rep in which Smith ran a go route and made a leaping catch over USC cornerback Shareece Wright, describing his body control as well above average.
NFL Draft Bible wrote that Smith had been “flashing big-play ability early in practice” and was “surprisingly fast out of his stance for a 220 pounder,” adding that he gained separation from South team cornerbacks and consistently caught the ball away from his body.
Bleacher Report noted Smith had won jump-ball battles and run efficient routes, while also mentioning drops that coach Chan Gailey pointed out. According to the report, Gailey described Smith as a “raw talent” with great “potential.”
Critics Point to Drops
Not all evaluations were positive. Draft Insider wrote that Smith “looks the part but only occasionally plays to it,” citing as many drops as good catches and calling him a poor route runner.
Walter Football reported that Smith dropped passes throughout Tuesday afternoon’s practice. NFL Mocks said Smith had multiple drops and stayed high coming out of his breaks, but also noted “a few unbelievable catches” and said he could become a later-round value if he adjusts to the higher level of competition.
NFL Radio Interview
Smith appeared on NFL Radio on Tuesday evening. He described receiving a call from Steve Hale of the Senior Bowl inviting him to meet at the team hotel, and said he has enjoyed the week working alongside top players from around the country.
Smith said he has dropped about 10 pounds and could lose about five more to gain speed while keeping his frame.
He also discussed his family’s relocation following a hurricane, including a period when he could not locate his family, and the hardships they faced.
Path to South Alabama
Smith played high school football for Bill Clark at Prattville High School before going to UAB. He later came to South Alabama, where Clark is on the coaching staff, through his ties to Clark.
The San Francisco 49ers’ website also published a feature on Smith on Tuesday titled “Smith takes road less traveled,” covering much of the same background.
The Senior Bowl, the annual college all-star game for NFL draft prospects, concludes with the game Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Update: Monday Weigh-In and First Practice
Smith also drew notice from draft analysts on Monday, the first day of Senior Bowl week. The Sporting News mentioned him in the second sentence of its report on the Senior Bowl weigh-in, and several online draft services, including DraftDaddy, DraftScout, Optimum Scouting and analyst Wes Bunting, commented on his size and physique, with descriptions ranging from “sleeper” to “built like a tank.”
DraftDaddy’s report on the South team’s Monday practice said Smith made several big plays and showed run-after-catch ability, while noting that, as with all receivers, his speed will determine his draft value.
Smith transferred to South Alabama from UAB and was part of Jaguar teams that went a combined 17-0 over the program’s first two seasons, including wins over four Football Championship Subdivision opponents.
