I'm reading in many interviews that a big change in Smoot's senior year under Lovie Smith was fewer reps and more walkthroughs to save their health. Since he was moving up from bookending with Jihad Ward the prior year to primary pass rusher, I can see the fewer reps, smaller body weight, and more focus from offensive lines limiting his effectiveness. 

 

He also seems to already understand film study from one of the interviews which is a good trait to already have and may hint that he is somewhat of a football junkie. I think that is the key. If he puts in the work and maximizes his strengths, he could overcome the limitations of the ceiling scouts have pegged for him. 

 

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/...ane-smoot/

https://vsporto.com/episode/16797/the-pi...ane-smoot/

http://www.patriots.com/video/2017/03/01...e-illinois

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