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Evaluating the Redskins draft picks: James Smith-Williams has a tough road to a roster spot

By Jacob Camenker

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 31: James Smith-Williams #39 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack in action against the Texas A&M Aggies during the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. Texas A&M won 52-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 31: James Smith-Williams #39 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack in action against the Texas A&M Aggies during the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. Texas A&M won 52-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman James Smith-Williams of North Carolina State runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman James Smith-Williams of North Carolina State runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

What James Smith-Williams does well

Smith-Williams has something that can’t be taught. A good-sized frame and solid athletic ability (4.6 second 40-yard dash, 7.35 3-cone drill, 28 bench press reps).

Smith-Williams stands at 6-4, 265 pounds, and figures to be a player who is quick off the edge. On tape, he demonstrated good get-off and that’s part of what led him to a 36 tackle, six-sack campaign during his junior season at NC State. He has good length and should be able to win at the point of attack with his size and quickness more often than not.

Elsewhere on the field, Smith-Williams has a high motor and consistently works hard when he plays. He’s not involved in every play, but generally speaking, he is around the ball enough on running plays to the interior and did enough to generate pressure during his college career in limited action.

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Off the field is what sets Smith-Williams apart from other players that were viewed as fringe-draftable. He’s a very smart guy and already has a job lined up at IBM after his playing days are over. Beyond his excellent intelligence, he’s a true leader and was a team captain at NC State. He was awarded the team’s No. 1 jersey which has been given to a player based on their “work ethic, character, leadership and accomplishments” under coach Dave Doeren.

So, needless to say, coaches were fond of Smith-Williams and so were his teammates. That certainly played into the Redskins’ evaluation of him, as Ron Rivera is looking to establish a culture in his first year in Washington. Adding players like Smith-Williams will help him to do just that, and that’s probably the No. 1 reason the team selected him in the final frame of the draft.

Good size, solid athleticism, and a great personality. That’s what defines Smith-Williams’ strengths as a player. But there are some major weaknesses that could hold him back at the next level and may make it difficult for him to make the 53-man roster in 2020.

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