Ainias Smith 2024 NFL Draft Profile
Ainias Smith is just one of many talented wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Where does the Texas A&M product stack up to the rest of the competition? Let’s talk about it and review his 2024 NFL Draft Profile!
People love to throw out these Deebo Samuel comps. You’re never going to find another Deebo and the comps other people throw around are totally disrespectful. However, they’re not totally crazy here. The biggest thing about Deebo is he’s built like a running back. Smith comes in a similar mold and will help any team in the return game. Despite his 5-foot-9, 190 frame, Smith ripped out 21 reps on the bench. Keep in mind, that’s 21 reps while benching 35 more pounds than he weighs.
Smith is a YAC monster. Get the ball to this guy in space. Like Samuel, we’re talking about a guy that was used frequently as a running back. The former Texas A&M product has 72 carries in his career. Was more efficient earlier in his career in that role. It’s just worth noting that you can line this guy up everywhere and is difficult to gameplan around as a defensive coordinator.
2023 was Smith’s best year as a pure receiver. His 2022 was electric but it got caught short via injury. Last year, he put together a stat line including 53 receptions for 795 yards and two scores. Former three star guy coming out of high school and had a successful collegiate career.
Speaking of injury, Smith’s been on the shelf a lot. He didn’t work out at the Combine (other than bench) for that reason. Taking smaller receivers is already risky. How high can you go for a smaller receiver that’s hurt a lot? He was also really underwhelming during the Senior Bowl. For as many different things as he can do, he’s not a crazy speed threat. We don’t have a 40 time to work with but he likely would have been in the 4.5 range. Also, doesn’t exactly have a huge catch radius.
I have a 5th round grade on Ainias Smith. The injury stuff pushes him down a bit and I just don’t think he’s nearly as good as Deebo. Think he can help someone but it’s as a gadget guy. A receiver that’s part of a rotation but not the focal point of any attack.
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