Ranking Jaguars top 3 third-round WR options in 2021 NFL Draft
player. 850. . Wide receiver. Gamecocks . Shi Smith. 3
Would the Jacksonville Jaguars pull the trigger on Shi Smith in round 3?
South Carolina has produced a couple of wide receivers, Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards, in the last two years and Shi Smith will keep the streak alive in 2020, making it three years in a row. A four-star recruit out of high school, he appeared in 42 games for the Gamecocks and hauled in 174 receptions for 2,204 yards and 13 trips to the end zone over his four-year collegiate career.
Although Smith was overshadowed by Samuel and Edwards, he was able to thrive once they were out of the picture, catching 57 passes for 633 yards and four touchdowns in nine games last year. At South Carolina’s Pro Day, he posted a 4.43 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of 10 feet, 3 inches.
Smith made the most out of his Reese’s Senior Bowl invitation and showed his ability to run solid routes. The South Carolina product may not have the size to thrive as an outside receiver but could carve a niche in the slot. Even though he doesn’t posses elite athleticism, he’s a tough wide receiver that has a penchant for making plays. While he may be available in the fourth round, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get drafted in the third.