It’s generally good practice for NFL teams to draft a quarterback and running back every year, even if it isn’t an immediate team need. The Green Bay Packers have done this well throughout their franchise history. Drafting or signing a developmental quarterback in the later rounds is low-risk, high-reward.
The Packers should take a flier on Donovan Smith, a project quarterback out of Houston, who is anticipated to be a Day 3 pick or a UDFA.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Smith is not NFL-ready.
His intangibles and ceiling make him appealing in the draft. Unfortunately, Smith wasn’t able to put it all together at Houston. His ideal situation is sitting back and learning how the professionals do it. History tells us that Green Bay is a great place to do that.
But what can Smith offer to the Packers?
Smith’s 6’5”, 235 lb. frame gives him a great field view. Given his size, you may assume he runs the ball like Cam Newton or Josh Allen, but he’s more of a pocket passer. He’s mobile and athletic, but that isn’t the primary aspect of his game.
Don’t be fooled, though. Smith can run the ball efficiently.
Smith started at Texas Tech and transferred to Houston. One of his last plays as a Red Raider was an electric run that showed why he’s an offensive threat.
Smith may remind some Packers fans of backup quarterback Malik Willis. Their running styles are similar, if not exactly the same. Willis is a bit faster than Smith and can turn the corner with greater ease. The play calling would be similar for both, offering his offensive coordinator stress relief.
Smith’s mobility should catch Green Bay’s attention. The Packers run a lot of bootlegs and play action, and Smith’s ability to move complements the offense. His mobility can get him out of many bad situations, but he occasionally fails to see pressure. Still, his athleticism hides this issue most of the time.
Smith’s size is rare, allowing him to have a great view of the field. He also has the arm talent you would expect at his stature. He can launch the ball and make every throw on the field.
In Smith’s junior season, he threw 22 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions with 2,801 yards passing. Unfortunately, Smith was underwhelming due to a torn labrum in his senior year. He played sparingly and never reached the heights of his junior season. His injury has greatly affected his draft stock.
Fortunately, he is healed and ready to compete for a roster spot.
Smith’s ability to look off defenders is one of his greatest strengths. Smith excels at being able to get defenders out of position by using his eyes. Combine this with his mobility, and he can make a huge gain on any play.
Smith must also improve his pre-snap reads and progression throughout the play. He can often lock on to his first read and not go through the full play, often forcing a ball to an open receiver. That’s not ideal given the nature of Green Bay’s offense. However, NFL coaching can fix that.
Due to Smith’s rare intangibles, there’s a good chance he will move higher on draft boards. Many NFL teams would love to have an opportunity to develop a player with Smith’s tools. Smith’s injury has held him back, but the Packers can use this as an opportunity to take a chance on a player with an unexpectedly high ceiling.
