The Big Ten is one of the premier college football conferences when it comes to producing defensive NFL Draft talent. And while Minnesota CB Terell Smith may not receive the same attention as Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon or Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr., his scouting report details a skill set worthy of a selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Terell Smith NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Cornerback
- School: Minnesota
- Year: Senior
Smith first announced his name on the recruiting trail as a junior at South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, Georgia. Playing WR and CB, he hauled in four receiving touchdowns, snatched two interceptions, and returned a punt for another score.
But it was his senior campaign that truly put him on the map, as Smith earned first-team all-region honors after producing two INTs, three PBUs, and a 10-353-3 receiving line. He also enjoyed a stellar high school track career, winning state championships as a sophomore (200m, 21.26) and as a junior (100m, 10.39).
As a three-star recruit, Smith received multiple Power Five offers but committed to Minnesota and never reneged despite late bids from Florida, Notre Dame, and Michigan State. He flashed as a true freshman, leading the team with nine pass deflections (one INT, eight PBUs). Yet, injuries aided in a two-year drought with no starts from 2019-2020.
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After a decent-but-uninspiring 2021 campaign, Smith returned to his true freshman form in his final collegiate season. Once again leading the Golden Gophers in deflections (two INTs, five PBUs), he garnered All-Big Ten honorable mention by the media.
Although his on-field consistency may cause concern, he was anything but off the field, making the All-Big Ten Academic Team in four straight years (2019-2022). Injuries played a major role in his inability to be a mainstay on Minnesota’s defense, as he missed at least two games each season (11 total).
Nevertheless, Smith accepted invites to the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Combine, where he was able to answer many questions about his scouting report.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Terell Smith
Strengths: Athletically gifted cornerback whose draft stock is soaring. Battles opponents throughout the route, works to get his head back around, and does a good job locating the pass in the air. Engages receivers at the line and slows their release off the snap. Stays on the receiver’s hip out of breaks and can drive to the ball out of his plant. Collapses from the outside to defend the run, wraps up opponents, and tackles well in the open field.
Weaknesses: Must be more consistent with his footwork and backpedal. Prone to lapses. Turned in just a single year of production.
Overall: Smith is a developing CB who was ignored by scouts entering 2022, but then he turned in a terrific campaign and performed well during three days of Shrine Bowl practices. He’s a terrific athlete with a large upside, and if coached properly, Smith could break into a starting lineup two years down the road.
Terell Smith Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’0 1/2″
- Weight: 204 pounds
- Arm Size: 32 7/8″
- Hand Size: 9″
- Bench Press: 14 reps
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.41 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 34″
- Broad Jump: 10’0″
- Three-Cone: 7.02 seconds
- Short Shuttle: 4.3
Minnesota CB Terell Smith Current Draft Projection
Smith checks in as the 113th overall player and CB16 on Tony Pauline’s Big Board, owning a third/fourth-round grade. Despite Pauline’s view of the Minnesota CB, it’s possible he falls into the mid-to-late Day 3 range when the 2023 NFL Draft concludes.
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Smith will be 24 by the time the season begins, has an injury history teams will do their due diligence on, and has really only performed well in two collegiate seasons. However, there’s no debating his length/speed combo on the outside, and his physical style translates well into a press-man-heavy scheme.
And when Smith hears his name called, he will join Benjamin St-Juste (2021), Chris Williamson (2020), and Jalen Myrick (2017) as the only Golden Gopher CBs drafted since 2003.