Survivor I - L.J. Smith Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2003	27	321	1	38.1	27
2004	34	377	5	67.7	13

Positives - "Last year, I think me sharing time with Chad Lewis and me not being the starter kind of showed what I can do," TE L.J. Smith said. "I put up decent numbers and I wasn't the starter and I just felt like if I had the opportunity this year, I think everything will take care of itself." Smith sees a breakout season directly ahead. "This year, with two years under my belt, I'm ready to go." I agree with Smith, this will be his breakout season. Smith has established himself as the top TE on his team, beating out Chad Lewis, who may retire this season.

Negatives - Chad Lewis' return this season is still unsettled, which could cut into Smith's numbers. Although he has improved his catching ability, Smith still occasionally drops what should be easy receptions.

Draft Strategy - My plan entering the draft was to take either Gonzalez or Gates in the 3rd round. When both were taken, I switched strategies to taking a guy with big upside at good value. Smith, who has an ADP of 10.05 looked like just the guy I needed. I drafted him as the 11th TE taken, and I see him finishing at least that well, with the potential to finish even higher.