From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#6 Ihmir Smith-Marsette Iowa WR – 5’11” 183 pounds
The Good
– Explosive athlete with excellent straight line speed
– Legit vertical threat that can stretch field from slot and outside
– Smooth in and out of breaks
– Accelerates into breaks, helping create separation
– Can create big plays on short routes with RAC ability
– Understanding of where and when to sit in holes against zone defense
– Attacks defensive back’s leverage with footwork and breaks cushion with speed
– Good starting experience against quality competition
– Explosive returner in special teams, has scored multiple times in that department
The Bad
– Size, limited length will likely limit him to slot receiver role
– Can make tough catches but drops routine routes over course of the game
– Relatively limited route tree due to vertical prowess at Iowa
– Struggles with releasing against press man coverage as outside receiver
– Off field arrest during season will likely hurt draft stock (drunken-driving arrest)
– Inconsistency with route stems and stacking his defenders
Bio
– Played in 43 career games at Iowa
– Amassed 110 catches, 1,615 receiving yards, 14 receiving touchdowns, 274 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, two kickoff return touchdowns
– 2018-2020 Honorable mention All-Big Ten as wide receiver
– 2020 Honorable Mention as return specialist
– 2018 First Team All-Big Ten Return Specialist
– 3-star recruit who played high school ball at Weequahic High School in Newark, NJ, chose Iowa over Rutgers, Minnesota and more
– Ankle injury against Wisconsin ended his season after flipping into the endzone
Tape Breakdown
Ihmir Smith-Marsette is one of the more explosive players in the 2021 NFL Draft process.