Summary

Dawuane Smoot was selected in the 3rd Round (#68 Overall) in the 2017 Draft out of University of Illinois. Smoot is a strong, athletic edge rusher with a quick first step, good size, and proven ability to produce when used rightly. His strengths make him a dangerous asset on the edge. However, his game is held back somewhat by inconsistency, fewer splash seasons, and the need to further refine his technique and ability to dominate vs. blockers over a full season. With the right role and continued development, he remains a very useful piece for his team.

Strengths

• Quick‑first‑step and athletic burst off the edge Scouting reports out of college praised Smoot’s ability to get off the line quickly and use his initial burst to win with speed. 247Sports

• Versatility and effort on the edge He has shown the ability to play in different spots on the defensive front and bring consistent effort as a rusher and run‑defender.

• Solid production when given opportunity Though he’s had ups and downs, his career 26 sacks and 159 total tackles (per recent stats) show he can produce at the pro level.

• Good size for an edge rusher with solid mass to set the edge At 6′3″/264 lbs, he has enough bulk to work against blockers and not get overwhelmed, while still being mobile.

Weaknesses

• Pass‑rush move development and consistency While his burst is good, some evaluators noted that his repertoire of pass‑rush moves and ability to win when the first move is slowed were less refined. 247Sports

• Sustained impact and big‑play frequency Though he has decent sack numbers, there have been seasons where his impact dropped off (for example only 1.5 sacks in 2024) meaning consistency is a question.

• Run‑defense and setting edge in heavy schemes Some critiques suggest that when offenses run at him or double team him, his ability to anchor and hold position may be challenged.

• Injury and availability concerns Like many older edge players, durability and availability have had their moments of concern, which can limit the accumulation of production over a season.

Fit & Outlook

Smoot fits best in a front that allows him to rush the passer off the edge, use his burst, and rotate in sub‑packages rather than being the every‑down anchor. A defense that uses multiple rushers and allows him to play with his hand up or off the ball could maximize his strengths. If Smoot can refine his move‑set, increase his consistency, and stay healthy, his ceiling is being a very solid starter/wing rusher—someone who can contribute 8–10 sacks and hold his own in the run game. If the weaknesses linger, he may stay a valuable rotational contributor rather than a dominant every‑down force.