By Jeremy Hritz
Leticius Smith, OG
| Height: 6’3 Weight: 321 40 (est.): 5.3 College: Virginia Tech |
| Career Stats – 38 career starts (primarily left guard) |
| Strengths – Physical, aggressive, and establishes attack-first mentality on the offensive line – Explosive and athletic, a former tight-end converted to OL – Once connected on a block, rarely loses it – Solid lower half, strong legs |
| Areas for Growth – Where he has a powerful base, his upper body strength must be developed – Improvement needed when blocking on the move/connecting and sustaining those blocks – Lacks length (arms) which can be detrimental at the position – Lateral movement is just average |
| Best-Case Scenario Leticius Smith is a plug and play guard, and he offers everything you would want in an interior offensive lineman. In year one, he would immediately step in and start and be an upgrade for any offensive line, especially the Steelers. |
| Likely Reality Not an elite guard, but a very good one who starts early in his career and has longevity. |
| Projected Round 2nd/Early 3rd round |
| Potential to Land with the Steelers The Steelers have needs on the offensive line–thank you Captain Obvious. But those needs are especially pronounced on the interior of the line. The Steelers will be drafting an offensive lineman early (1st or 2nd round) with the intention of them starting, and Smith can be that guy should he be available when they select at pick #52, or less likely in the 3rd round. He has the strong lower half that a prospect either has or does not, and through professional strength and conditioning development, his upper body can be brought along. His physicality and ability to create lanes in the running game are sorely needed in Pittsburgh, making Smith a player to keep your eye on as we get closer to the draft. |