Washington Football Team 7-round mock draft: Trading up to No. 5
Round 4, Pick 118: LT D’Ante Smith, East Carolina
As I stated previously in my 2020 Washington Football Team offensive line rankings, I thought Cornelius Lucas filled in at left tackle admirably. However, it should not deter Washington from adding more talent at the position.
A developmental tackle to develop behind Lucas is a good idea. And East Carolina’s D’Ante Smith fits that mold.
Smith has gone under the radar in the draft process due to an injury that sidelined him for most of the 2020 season. After a strong Senior Bowl, however, he is starting to get some praise and recognition.
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For his size, Smith is freakishly athletic. He has a lean build that makes him very athletic in space. He also has an advanced understanding of hand placement that should bode well at the next level. His long arms also help him lock up the pass rusher when he attempts the bull rush.
Smith still is pretty raw. He can stand to put on some weight to help him better handle the stronger players he will face at the next level. And he needs to improve at being more consistent on holding his blocks for longer on deeper passing plays.
Smith also boasts the traits that could allow him to shift inside to guard. His athletic upside combined with his positional versatility makes him well worth the selection to sit behind Lucas for a year. The competition between him and Saahdiq Charles could only make the two better, as well as the team’s depth on the offensive line.