In the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Alabama defensive tackle Tim Smith. Let’s break it down.
In the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Alabama defensive tackle Tim Smith.
Let’s break down the pick, and if you missed our other recaps, you can find them below.
Tim Smith’s profile
- Height: 6-043
- Weight: 302
- Arm length: 33″
- Age: 22
- College profile
For four seasons, Smith was a steady rotational presence along the Alabama defensive front, where his greatest impact came in the run game. With Smith, his contributions aren’t always going to show up on the stat sheet. If you look at quarterback pressures, he had 11–a career-high–in 2024.
However, that isn’t what Smith was asked to do either. There is dirty work that comes with being a run-stuffer. But when playing at a high level and taking on blockers, generating push, and eating up space, Smith’s presence can free up others around him to go make plays.
The Colts obviously have a strong foundation at tackle with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, but improved depth behind them is a huge need. Last season, Taven Bryan and Raekwon Davis both ranked near the bottom among all defensive tackles across the league in PFF’s pass rush win rate and run stop rate, with opponents frequently taking advantage when Buckner or Stewart weren’t on the field.
At a position group like defensive tackle that is heavily rotated, sound depth is vital.
Tim Smith’s scouting report
NFL.com
Lance Zierlein: “Hard hat defensive tackle who is much more of a plugger than a playmaker. Smith has average size and traits, but he thumps blockers with accurate strikes and anchors down to clog lanes. He can set a firm edge or control the block as a two-gapper but a lack of length could catch up with him as a pro. He has enough power to get into the pocket on occasion, but he might need scheme help to get home as a rusher. Smith plays with pretty good power and sound technique. He could become a rotational defender in the NFL.”
They said it
Jamie Moore, assistant director of college scouting: “I think what’s unique about him is his ability to play blocks,” Moore said via the Indy Star. “It’s something that (defensive coordinator) Lou (Anarumo) talked about when he got here, explaining how this defense is going to operate up front. Lou likes versatility. … Tim has very heavy hands. He’s got knockback. If anybody has ever studied a Nick Saban defense, you understand that you better know how to play with your hands. He can play square to the line of scrimmage, he’s a really good run defender.”
Tim Smith’s athletic profile
#Breaking #Colts #pick #Alabama #IDL #Tim #Smith
