Fred Smoot is a former NFL cornerback whose combine metrics and career performances continue to shape conversations about defensive backs. Below is a structured snapshot of how his physical tools compared to peers at the 2001 NFL Combine.
This overview highlights the measurable attributes that defined his draft profile and early scouting narrative.
| Player | Position | Forty Time (yd) | Bench Reps (225 lb) | Vert (in) | Broad Jump (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fred Smoot | CB | 4.45 | 18 | 38.5 | 10 ft 5 in |
| Derrick Brooks | LB | 4.50 | 28 | 35.5 | 10 ft 2 in |
| Darrelle Revis | CB | 4.58 | 15 | 37.0 | 10 ft 4 in |
| Asante Samuel | CB | 4.40 | 12 | 38.0 | 10 ft 6 in |
Physical Profile at the Combine
Height, Weight, and Arm Length
At 5 ft 11 in and 190 lb, Fred Smoot presented as a compact shutdown corner in an era when size mattered at the position. His 32-inch arms added reach that helped him disrupt routes at the line and contest catches without relying solely on length.
Combine Metrics and Performance
Speed and Explosiveness
A 4.45-second forty-yard dash placed Smoot among the faster secondary prospects, suggesting elite acceleration and closing speed on deep balls. His 38.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad jump underscidered his ability to elevate, key traits for high-pointing the ball and contesting tight windows in coverage.
Strength and Durability Indicators
Bench Press and Injury History
Smoot’s 18-rep bench press at 225 lb signaled above-average upper-body strength for a corner, useful in shedding blocks and maintaining leverage in man coverage. Scouts weighed his durability carefully, noting he entered the NFL with no major injuries that would delay practice participation.
Impact and Legacy in the NFL
Pro Bowl Moments and Coverage Skills
Across a ten-year career, Fred Smoot logged multiple Pro Bowl selections and became known for his ball skills, recording 30 interceptions and 636 return yards on special teams. His press-man technique and bump-and-run savvy made him a reliable shutdown option in critical downs.
Key Takeaways for Evaluating Modern Cornerbacks
- Forty time under 4.5 seconds indicates elite closing speed in space.
- Vertical above 36 inches and broad jump beyond 10 feet suggest high-point potential.
- Bench reps above 15 for a CB reflect valuable upper-body strength for press coverage.
- Durability and clean injury history improve practice availability and consistency.
- Combine metrics should be paired with film study to assess technique and football IQ.
FAQ
Reader questions
How does Fred Smoot’s forty time compare to other cornerbacks from 2001?
At 4.45 seconds, his forty was faster than many shutdown corners that year, rivaling elite athletes like Asante Samuel while slightly slower than true speed outliers.
What made his bench press notable for a defensive back?
Eighteen repetitions at 225 lb was uncommon for a corner, highlighting upper-body strength that helped him win press battles and maintain leverage in man coverage.
How did his vertical jump translate to game performance?
A 38.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad jump supported his ability to high-point passes, allowing him to disrupt timing routes and force quarterbacks to reconsider throws in his window.
What durability factors did scouts consider when evaluating him?
Coming into the league without significant injury concerns and with solid strength metrics, he was viewed as a low-risk investment who could practice consistently and stay on the field.