NFL 2022: One undrafted free agent from every team that could make the roster
By Randy Gurzi
New Orleans Saints: Abram Smith, RB, Baylor
RB. 15. Baylor. Abram Smith. RB. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Abram Smith is a versatile player who might have actually hurt his own stock because of it. Originally a running back, Baylor moved him to linebacker in his third season. As a junior, he ended up with 48 tackles, five of which went for a loss, and one sack. —in just five games.
Then, he moved back to running back for his final season and he really went off. That year, Smith had 1,601 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He averaged 6.2 yards per attempt and was a bruiser for the Bears.
He then went to the NFL Scouting Combine and measured in at 6-foot-0 and 213-pounds showing he has more than enough size to make it as a pro. The question about Smith, however, is his playing speed. While he’s not slow, he’s said to have just one speed and isn’t as decisive as he needs to be.
Even with those criticisms, he can find a role with the New Orleans Saints offense. New Orleans has typically preferred to use Alvin Kamara as their primary back but when it comes to tough yardage, they sub him out and let a bigger back do the dirty work.
In years past, it was Mark Ingram, and while he’s back, he’s also on the wrong side of 30.
In addition to Smith being a younger option with fresher legs, the fact that he used to play linebacker means he could be a special teams ace, which would also help him make the team as a rookie.