Iowa's Ihmir Smith-Marsette

By: Hussam Patel

Ihmir Smith-Marsette is a huge sleeper in this draft. There is so much talent this year at Wide receiver that he may slip to a Day 3 pick. Iowa ran a run-heavy attack, but did manufacture touches for him, realizing his talent potential. Smith-Marsette is smoother than Jiffy peanut butter, a legitimate vertical threat because of his impressive speed and return skills.

VIDEO BREAKDOWN: #Iowa WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette was such a fascinating study, an underrated name who shows route running nuance, explosiveness and separation ability.

He sets up defenders using stems, attacking leverage and accelerating into breaks. One of my favs in this class. pic.twitter.com/YCbFYjAtcJ

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) February 9, 2021

With a track background, he can burn defenders on the second level, and change directions quickly in the deep field. He’s a little-known run after catch player who can do some damage in the short passing game as well. With his quick feet, defenders have a hard time following his routes on outs and comebacks.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette (Iowa, WR) is a shifty and quick player who shows an ability to consistently separate from man coverage with route running.

This receiver class is stupid deep. pic.twitter.com/34BfAz5jPv

— Dante Collinelli (@DanteCollinelli) August 31, 2020

Iowa manufactured touches for him, mainly on screens, reverses, jet sweeps and easy touch passes gaining significant yardage. While not a complete product yet, the coaching staff that drafts him will likely use him as a return man and teach him how to properly run a full route tree. He reminds me of a taller Mecole Hardman- the exact same way the Chiefs use him.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette (@_ihmirr_) is a fun receiver to study. Athletic traits paired with technical route running. A versatile winner, inside and out. He is a 3-level receiver.

I believe he will be a better and more productive pro receiver. A name to keep an eye on. pic.twitter.com/ycfwMw0Plo

— Damian Parson ? (@DP_NFL) March 3, 2021

The Hawkeye Prodigy has a similar build to Heisman winner Devonta Smith; however, the difference is that Smith-Marsette gets bullied off the line of scrimmage even with his speedy release, especially in press man. He will need to build more muscle mass and gain strength; he should be able to do this in the offseason. He will also need to get better at using his hands to separate from defenders.