Mekhi is a big time athletic pass rusher that was light out during 1v1s. Mekhi showed off loose hips and the ability to bend and burst in COD moves. He’ quick and shifty for his position with good feet and he plays fast. In 1v1’s Mekhi was winning rep after rep. Showing off active hands, able to swim and rip through blockers. His burst off the snap allowed him to shoot the gap and get skinny, as well as showcasing a very effective out and in move. Mekhi gets blockers on their heels with his speed, then gets them off balance with his agility & movement, allowing for him to have clear paths to the QB.

Mekhi was first team All State this past fall and I expect him to have an even more dominant senior season. He has real value as a true edge rusher, either stand up or his hand in the dirt and colleges better start taking notice.

Mekhi Smith is an explosive, high-motor defensive lineman with a clear upside as a pass rusher. He plays with urgency at 6-2 and 210 pounds and is constantly in the backfield making plays. Smith’s first step is sharp, and he explodes off the line and gets upfield fast. Whether he’s coming off the edge unblocked or winning with effort and hand usage, Smith consistently finds ways to pressure the quarterback. His ability to bend the corner and chase down plays from behind stands out, and he’s not just going for sacks. Smith is looking to force fumbles and create turnovers.

Smith shows flashes of good technique, including arm extension and effectively shedding blockers. There’s a relentlessness to his game that shows up on nearly every snap. Smith plays with good instincts and has a nose for the football. His pass-rush production is impressive, and plenty of film shows him beating blockers cleanly and finishing plays.

The biggest concerns are size and run defense. At 210 pounds, Smith is undersized for an interior defensive tackle. While strong for his frame, he’ll need to bulk up and improve his ability to anchor against the run. There’s not a ton of early tape showing him consistently defending the run, but that part of his game still needs to be proven.

Smith is a fast, disruptive pass rusher who plays hard and creates chaos. With more development in run defense and a few more tools in his arsenal, he could be a serious weapon off the edge.