2019 NFL Draft: 15 Players you need to know

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Keller Chryst #10 of the Stanford Cardinal throws a touchdown pass during the second quarter as he is pressured by Porter Gustin #45 of the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 29: Jaylen Smith #9 of the Louisville Cardinals pulls in a pass during Louisville’s game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images) /

8. Jaylen Smith, WR, Louisville

The 2019 NFL Draft will not lack in size at the receiver position. They really are getting bigger, faster and stronger, and Louisville’s 6-4, 220-pound Jaylen Smith is no exception. For a guy his size, he gets on top of defensive backs. There’s no question his speed is deceptive considering how often he blows the top off defenses.

In 2017, he had six games where he averaged over 15 yards per catch. Although he’s a little stiff and doesn’t have elite quickness, he does sink his hips in and out of breaks. He does a great job underneath with creating separation. Smith understands where to sit in zones and how to work back to the ball. He does a solid job with run after the catch looking to punish defensive backs — his weapon of choice is the stiff arm.

Smith also plays the jump ball well and uses his body to box out defenders. Despite some issues with drops, he does give his quarterback an excellent catch radius. In fact, he’s a reliable target, as evident from his four-game touchdown streak. He’s still developing as a route runner, but he has experience playing in different areas of the field.

At the next level, he’s undoubtedly a boundary receiver and red zone target with similar traits to Marques Colston, formerly of the New Orleans Saints.

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