I really cant explain how some scouts, coaches, GM's...qualitatively evaluate football players. But there are references to great coaches going to pro days or watching practices in person at field level and being instantly able to recognize "really good football players". There is a good article here that attempts to do it and goes pretty far in depth.
https://www.theringer.com/2018/4/12/...ing-evaluation
IMO, Brian Allen wont amount to anything more than a backup and likely will be a camp cut this year or next. The guy may have measurables, but IMO he doesn't have the footwork and plays like Bambi, doesn't compete well enough. Artie Burns had the measurables, but I was very vocal pre draft that he looked like a Round 4 or 5 player.
Matakevich ran a 4.81, had a 31" vertical and benched 22 times... and Vince Williams ran a 4.76, had a 32" vertical and benched 22 reps. Not much difference in speed and athleticism, so maybe the Steelers should not have drafted Williams in the 6th round and I think you are saying that you would not have drafted anybody with that kind of athletic ability. Only thing we might be able to point to is the production and intangibles that coaches, scouts, GM saw. I think the same is what they see in Smith.
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I agree, ILB. But that being said, he has quickness, bends well around the edge and is really good technically with his hands. Could be a guy that RT's find pesky to block in pass game, but need to see it in the open field. Potentially Bush replaces Bostic, UGIII replaces Fort and Smith replaces Matakevich on the 53.