Buffalo Bills Draft Prospects: Derron Smith

There is quite a drop off from the number one projected safety in this years draft to the second projected safety. The Buffalo Bills could use some depth and having a plug and play might help, but there is still some talent after that first round as far as safeties go.

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Derron Smith, out of Fresno St, is the second projected safety to come out of the NFL draft and is projected to be taken in the 2nd or 3rd round, which is where we would expect the Buffalo Bills to take a look at him, unless they move up specifically for Landon Collins, who we looked at a little bit ago.

Derron Smith started all 14 games last year and was second on the team in tackles with 93. Over the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Smith did start in all 26 games had a total of 166 tackles and 13 interceptions with 2 being returned for touchdowns. He does have some punt return aspects as well and running a 4.6, is a tad slower than Collins but is still able to provide a threat returning the ball.

Some strengths and weaknesses for Derron Smith are as follows:

"Productive four-year starter. Modern-day safety with the ability to play near line or in single-high coverage. Easy mover. Has outstanding coverage skills and can mirror in coverage over the slot. Can be physical. Former high school quarterback with above-average football intelligence. Instinctive with plus field vision and ability to track ball. Outstanding ball skills with playmaking potential.Tried to do too much in 2014 for inconsistent Fresno State defense. Ventured beyond prescribed area with mixed results. Will take questionable angles to the ball against run and pass. Undersized. Short-armed with limited high-point ability. Overly reliant on body positioning against big receivers when ball is in the air.– NFL.com"

Derron Smith is being projected as a pick int he 2nd or 3rd round and he is being compared to Marcus Gilchrist, who has been with the San Diego Chargers for the past 4 years.

The bottom line for Derron Smith is…

"Lacks ideal size for the position, but checks off just about every other box teams will be looking for. Smith’s ability to match up in space against slot receivers and his willingness to get downhill and tackle will be coveted. Smith must learn to play under control as a tackler, but he should have a shot to come in and compete for a starting-safety or slot-corner job quickly.– NFL.com"

Next: Buffalo Bills Draft Prospects: Landon Collins

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