Myth Busters: Why Andre Smith Won't Be A Top 10 Pick?

For full disclosure, I didn't give Andre Smith a top 10 grade even before the combine. Offseason mishaps aside, I believe he lacks the quickness and general athleticism to play the left tackle position. He could be a very good right tackle or guard, but the money rewarded to top 10 picks is well above the pay grade for those positions.

However, even if you believe he can play left tackle and was deserving of a top 10 pick, his postseason workouts and shenanigans at the combine should have convinced you otherwise. In the end, Smith will fall out of the top 10 and possibly all the way into the late first round.

Here's why...

1) The supply outweighs the demand. Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe have already solidified their place in the top 10 and Michael Oher isn't far behind. Any team that is desperate for a tackle - perhaps the Bengals, Raiders or 49ers - should be able to get their hands one of those three players if they want. A simple trade up or a reach for Oher would get the job done. There is no need to take a major risk on a boom-or-bust prospect like Smith.

2) The character red flags are all over the place. He isn't the next Pacman Jones, but there is definitely reason to question his commitment to the game. When asked why he chose to play left tackle, he said it was because he learned it was the most well-paid position in the NFL. Smith has lacked the motivation to get in shape this offseason during the most important time of his life. Do you really believe he'll suddenly find motivation after he signs a multi-million dollar contract?

3) A combination of the first two: the teams that could make him a top 10 pick should know better than to take the risk. As I mentioned, the three teams most likely to make him a top 10 pick are the Bengals (can't take on another "character concern" for obvious reasons), the Raiders (want to avoid the next Robert Gallery) and 49ers (have experienced far too many 1st-round busts in recent years: Woods, Smith, Davis).

The earliest Smith will come off the board is No. 13 to Washington, but even that is no guarantee. His next best options are No. 16 to San Diego, No. 20 to Detroit (if they pass on Jason Smith) and No. 21 to Philadelphia.