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Georgia playmaker aims to prove you can't put his skillset in a box
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Tykee Smith, Safety

Height/Weight: 5-10, 205

Age: 22.11

School Name: Georgia

Senior Bowl: Yes

Shrine Bowl: No

Tykee Smith WVU Stats

ESPN

Year Tackles PBU's INT's

2019

50

4

2

2020

61

5

2

Tykee Smith Georgia Stats

ESPN

Year Tackles PBU'S INT's

2021

5

0

0

2022

29

2

0

2023

70

2

4

Pros

  • Recovery Speed
    Can carry crossers even if he loses leverage off the snap and allows pass catchers to cross his face with adequate makeup speed
  • Aggressive At The Mesh Point
    Will attack the mesh when he’s confident in the play-call, throwing his weight around and making sound tackles
  • Sideline flow
    Box alignment makes him a pseudo linebacker which allows him to flow sideline to sideline and play traffic cop

Cons

  • Processing speed
    Just a tad late when it comes to seeing it at times. Would like to see him fire out immediately
  • Handsy in Coverage
    Doesn’t always trust his technique and becomes a little panicky in 1v1 situations despite having advantageous leverage
  • Range
    Best suited to play closer to the line of scrimmage and could struggle playing in traditional looks like split safety and post-safety looks

Eval:

Smith played as a pseudo backer in Georgia’s scheme, often aligned closer to the line of scrimmage than traditional safety landmarks.

Smith excelled there however, with the traits to play sideline to sideline, make tackles in space and close gaps in a hurry.

His usage in pass coverage may be limbed but he could matchup nicely against some tight ends or slot WRs.

Floor Comp: Marcus Maye

Physical Safety who plays with an edge.

Ceiling Comp: Jamal Adams (Jets)

Fiery competitor who has a chip on his shoulder and works as a big nickel or third linebacker in obvious passing situations.

Destin Adams’ Latest Big Board Ranking: (NA)

James Foster’s Latest Big Board Ranking: (76 overall, 5 safety)

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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