DURHAM, N.C. – Scouts representing 26 NFL teams attended North Carolina Central University's pro day on Wednesday (March 23). Most of them focused their attention on former NCCU cornerback
Ryan Smith.
The four-year NCCU standout out of Upper Marlboro, Maryland was among the "Top Performers" among the 37 cornerbacks attending the NFL Scouting Combine.
During the highlight event, the 40-yard dash, Smith posted the 12th-fastest time at his position at 4.47 seconds. He also tied for third in the 60-yard shuttle (11.18 seconds), placed sixth in the three-cone drill (6.88 seconds), tied for seventh in the bench press (18 reps of 225 pounds), tied for eighth in the 20-yard shuttle (4.09 seconds), tied for 12th in the vertical jump (36.0 inches) and tied for 16th in the broad jump (122.0 inches).
After his on-field drills on Wednesday inside NCCU's O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, Smith was surrounded by NFL scouts, who fired off a bunch of questions. Many of them also sought out some one-on-one time with the all-MEAC performer.
According to Aaron Wilson, who covers the Texans for The Houston Chronicle, Smith is "a fast-rising NFL draft prospect."
In Wilson's article on
NationalFootballPost.com, he reports that Smith has private workouts scheduled with the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers. He also has visits slated with the Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings.
Tim Watson, an all-conference defensive back at Howard University and 1993 NFL draft pick, considers Smith a second-round talent that should not last past the fourth round of this year's NFL draft. "He not only has all the athleticism you want, and has good ball skills; but this young man is an elite 'Dog Corner,'" Watson wrote in his
sports blog. "He can tackle with the best of the best, and has the bulk, strength, and power to be physical."
Smith is coming off a senior season that included all-conference recognition as both a defensive back and a return specialist. He ranked third in MEAC with team-best 11 passes defended (two interceptions and nine pass break-ups), while adding 52 tackles (38 solo). Smith also led conference and ranked 10th in the nation with an average of 28.1 yards per kickoff return (14 for 394 yards, 1 TD).
During his standout NCCU career from 2012-15, Smith broke the school record for solo tackles with 168, while finishing sixth in career tackles with 263 and 11th in passes defended with 31 (seven interceptions and 24 pass break-ups).
After helping to lead the Eagles to their second straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, Smith graduated from NCCU on Dec. 12, 2015, with a degree in criminal justice.
