PHL Anon
Here’s everything you need to know about the Eagles’ fifth-round selections that undoubtedly will all have Hall of Fame careers.
Let’s go, Birds!
Wendell Smallwood, RB WVU
OVERVIEW
The Big 12’s leading rusher in 2015 was Smallwood, in a bit of an upset over bigger names like Oklahoma’s Samaje Perine and Baylor’s Shock Linwood. He rushed for 1,519 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games, while also catching 26 passes out of the backfield for 160 yards, in what proved to be his final year with the Mountaineers after filing for early entry into the 2016 NFL Draft. As a sophomore, Smallwood was second on the team with 722 rushing yards and two scores on 148 carries, and contributed 31 catches for 326 yards as a receiver. He had showed promise as a true freshman, as well, (39-221 rushing; 11-132 receiving, one start in 12 games), but he nearly was untracked in the following offseason after being arrested on a warrant for a witness tampering charge. Smallwood was accused of telling someone to recant their statement accusing one of his friends in a fatal shooting case. The charges were officially dropped when his friend pleaded guilty in the murder case, allowing Smallwood to continue his football career.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Hits the crease with proper pad level and can spin off of initial tackle attempt on his way to additional yardage. Attacks his foes with lead shoulder at the end of the run for an aggressive finish. Runs a disciplined track as zone runner using solid vision and steady tempo. One of the sharpest players on the offense. Scans and spots blitzers on the creep and steps over to meet them as a blocker. Possesses exceptional hands as an option out of the backfield.
WEAKNESSES
Can use more beef on his frame to handle the rigors of the NFL. Monotone runner who tends to keep his runs at one speed. Not flashy or particularly creative as a runner. Gets what is blocked and is more of a physical finisher than tackle breaker. Has an extended gear down on outside zone to hit downhill cuts. Average athleticism and lacks the sudden jump cut.
BOTTOM LINE
Smallwood changed West Virginia from an “Air Raid” offense to a “ground and pound” attack. Smallwood’s tape features few, true flash plays, but the quality runs seem to stack up one after another. His intelligence in pass pro and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield give him an immediate shot as a third-down back, but his combine could determine whether he hears his name on Day 3 of the draft or not.
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Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OL TCU
OVERVIEW
In high school, Vaitai and his two younger brothers Will and Kevin formed the left side of his team’s offensive line. Not surprisingly, Haltom, Texas’ running offense was quite left-handed. Halapoulivaati was the top prospect among the three due to his size. He played five games as a back-up in his first season in Fort Worth, and then earned seven starting in year two (first five at right tackle, two at left tackle). Vaitai continued to show versatility, starting at right tackle in 2014 and left tackle in 2015.In his senior year, he garnered second team All-Big 12 honors for the second-ranked scoring offense in the country (46.5 points per game).
PRO DAY RESULTS
Bench: 27 reps of 225 pounds
Vertical: 32 inches
Short shuttle: 4.56 seconds
3-cone: 7.7 seconds
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Has played both right and left tackle spots at TCU. Shows decent lateral quickness off the snap on zone runs. Adequate athleticism in space as run blocker. Well-schooled and shows some technical savvy. Looks to land first and with inside hand as pass protector. Keeps head up and chin tucked on most of his pass sets. Able to see twists and games up front and is rarely fooled by them.
WEAKNESSES
Too stiff-legged and upright after the snap. Can give ground to bull rushers due to high pad level. Very poor hand strength and is inconsistent with arm extension. Lacks strength in hands to latch on and control a rep and allows defenders to break away from him. Very average foot quickness for power step back to challenge inside moves. Doesnt gain enough ground to the edge in shuffle slides and will be beaten around the corner by athletic, NFL rushers.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 5 or 6
BOTTOM LINE
Vaitai has been a full-time starter over the last two seasons for a successful TCU squad, but doesnt have the plus athleticism to play left tackle or the hand strength and core power to start on the right side. Despite decent technique and football intelligence, may be too lacking in physical qualities to make the NFL leap.