Brandon Smith has been selected in the 4th round, 120th overall by the Carlina Panther in the 2022 NFL draft. He is the 61st linebacker selected from Penn State since 1940, and the first ever Louisa County High school alum to be selected in the NFL Draft.
Smith was a five-star recruit out of Louisa County High School in Mineral, VA. He was the number one recruit out of Virginia in the Class of 2019. He was a two-year starter for the Nittany Lions and showed his athletic capabilities during his time at Penn State.
Smith is 6-4, 250 pounds, and ran a sub 4.5 at Penn State’s pro day. Scouts love his ability to play sideline- to sideline and cover running backs and tight ends down the field and show the ability to get off blocks from offensive linemen.
He has the size, speed, and athletic ability to be a solid starter, however, he was inconsistent in his tackling ability. According to Pro Football Focus he missed 14.8% of attempted tackles.
Smith made third-team All-Big Ten by recording 85 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble for the Nittany Lions.
Twitter: @bwalkerdadon
