Brandon Smith explains why he entered NFL Draft at Penn State Pro Day
Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith offered simple reasoning when asked why he chose to enter the NFL Draft after three years in State College.
Speaking at the Nittany Lions’ Pro Day event on Thursday, Smith said it was an opportunity to continue chasing his dream.
“Those who I love back at home can see me go out and do that, and accomplish that,” Smith said.
“Also, just me being confident in my own abilities — don’t get me wrong. But that’s really the main thing. It’s more than just a game to me, it’s something I’ve been dreaming of doing since I was little.”
Smith, a five-star prospect according to the On3 Consensus coming out of high school, started for two seasons in Happy Valley.
He spent 2020 playing largely as Penn State’s SAM linebacker, before making the move over to WILL last season.
In 2021, he finished with 81 total tackles, five pass breakups and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus gave him a 59.7 overall defensive grade.
He did, however, receive an excellent 80.0 coverage grade — something that could translate into a valuable tool at the next level.
“Obviously [there’s] talks throughout it leading up, but for the most part I kind of already knew what my situation was going to be. After that, it was just really going out each game and doing what I need to do and confirming what I already knew.”
How did Smith’s winter go after leaving Penn State?
Smith said he trained at Exos in Pheonix, Arizona, following the conclusion of Penn State’s season as he prepared for the NFL Combine.
At the combine, he ran a 4.57 40-yard dash, which tied him for the fourth-best time among linebackers. He also came up with a 10-8 in the long jump and a 37.5-inch vertical.
Speaking to the media about Penn State’s draft class on Wednesday, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper speculated that Smith could end up as the second Nittany Lion off the board.
“Brandon Smith’s versatility is outstanding,” Kiper said. “He could be inside, he could be outside. He’s wise to the football, he’s got really good range. He’s moving up. I mean, I could see him going ahead of [Arnold] Ebiketie in the early second round, maybe even late first round. But I’d say more second round for him.”
Smith said he’s receiving positive feedback from NFL teams regarding his athleticism and his length.
“Speed, strength, awareness, drive to the football,” Smith said. “That type of stuff.
Smith reached 20 reps on the bench press, electing not to re-do his vertical and broad jumps after performing those exercises at the combine.
The results of his Pro Day 40-yard dash, shuttle and L-drill won’t be available until later Thursday, but Smith felt as though he posted a positive day overall.
“I think I did pretty well in the field drills,” he said. “…For the most part, I can’t complain with what I did.”
