Anthony Smith

NFL Draft Profile: Anthony Smith

Position: Defensive End / Defensive Tackle (Versatile Interior/Edge) | School: Minnesota

Class: Redshirt Junior | Height: 6'6" | Weight: 285 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

Anthony Smith is a "late bloomer" who turned into a statistical titan during the 2025 season. After redshirting in 2022 and playing a rotational role in 2023, Smith took a massive leap in 2024, leading the Gophers with 11.5 tackles for loss. However, his 2025 campaign was historic; he spearheaded a Minnesota pass rush that totaled 39 sacks, leading the Big Ten individually with 12.5 sacks. Smith is a unique physical specimen—standing 6'6" but playing at 285 lbs—allowing him to slide between a 5-technique edge and a 3-technique interior disruptor. He capped his 2025 season by earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors and the Rate Bowl Defensive Player of the Game.

Highlight Career Stats (through 2025):

• Games Played: 41

• Total Tackles: 81 (38 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 30.0 (17.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 19.5 (12.5 in 2025)

• Batted Passes: 4

• Blocked Field Goals: 1 (2024 vs. Nevada)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
Buffalo	2 Tkl, 1.5 TFL, 0.5 Sk, 1 PBU	B+	Set a physical tone; active hands in passing lanes.
Rhode Island	1 Tackle	B-	Played limited snaps in a blowout win.
Nevada	1 Tackle, 1 Blocked FG	B	Special teams impact; disciplined gap control.
Iowa	2 Tackles	C+	Physical battle; Iowa’s run game focused on away gaps.
@ Michigan	Started (No Stats)	C	Tough environment; struggled to shed elite double-teams.
USC	1 Tackle	B-	Good pursuit speed; forced Caleb Williams into hurries.
@ UCLA	5 Tkl, 2.5 TFL, 1.0 Sk	A-	Breakout Game. Elite penetration in the B-gap.
Northwestern St.	3 Tkl, 1.5 Sacks	B+	Relentless motor against overmatched opposition.
@ Cal	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	B	Consistent pressure; won his 1-on-1s.
Rutgers	4 Tkl, 2.0 TFL, 1.5 Sacks	A	Elite Performance. Handled double teams; 4 QB hurries.
@ Ohio State	Started	B	Fought hard against NFL-caliber tackles; kept LBs clean.
Purdue	2 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B-	Solid anchor in a rain-soaked defensive battle.
vs. New Mexico	6 Tkl, 2.0 Sacks, 2 PBU	A+	Bowl MVP. Perfect finale; dominated the 4th quarter.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Freakish Frame & Length: At 6'6" with an immense wingspan, he can initiate contact first and keep offensive linemen off his frame.

• Pass Rush Polish: He isn't just a bull-rusher. He has a sophisticated "tool bag," including a lethal cross-chop and a swim move that utilizes his long reach.

• Positional Versatility: He can rush from a 2-point stance on the edge or "kick inside" to a 3-technique where his speed-to-power is a mismatch for interior guards.

• Star Impact: He has a "nose for the ball," evidenced by his blocked field goal and high volume of PBUs (Passes Broken Up).

Weaknesses

• Pad Level: Like many tall defenders, he can occasionally rise out of his stance too quickly, allowing shorter, squatter linemen to win the leverage battle.

• Weight/Bulk: At 285 lbs, he is a bit "tweener." If an NFL team wants him as a full-time 3-tech, he may need to add 15–20 lbs of functional mass.

• Technique Consistency: While his tool bag is full, he sometimes relies on pure athleticism. He needs to be more consistent with his footwork on wide zone runs.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 5-Technique in a 3-4 front or a Base DE in a 4-3 who slides inside on sub-packages.

NFL Comparison: Arike Armstead / Denico Autry

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 19/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 17/20 Final Grade: 88/100

Anthony Smith is one of the most intriguing "ascension" prospects in the draft. His 12.5-sack season in the Big Ten proves that his production has finally caught up to his elite physical traits. While he announced he might return to school for 2026, his 2025 tape is that of a first-round talent. His ability to disrupt from any spot on the line gives him immense positional value. If he enters, he is a Day 2 lock with the physical profile of a Day 1 selection.

Draft Projection: Late 1st Round - Early 2nd Round