We’re currently in the dead period of the off-season, and the Eagles won’t be back on the field until late July. Today, we continue the player profile series to get to know some of the new faces on the Eagles. The plan is to start with the rookies and then move on to the free agents. Today, we take a look at one of the Eagles’ fifth-round picks, Ainias Smith.

If you missed out on the previous “Player Profiles” you can check them out here: Quinyon Mitchell ¦ Cooper DeJean ¦ Jalyx Hunt ¦ Will Shipley

Ainias Smith is the first of three fifth-round picks selected by the Eagles. Admittedly, I am very new to college football, so most of my scouting was crammed into a two-week period before the draft. When the Eagles selected Smith, I audibly reacted with, “Who?” However, after diving into his film and stats, I’ve become genuinely impressed. Honestly, he may be my favorite pick (besides Johnny Wilson).

Smith has created a lot of exciting plays, and as a slot receiver, he has the potential to cause headaches for defenses with his quickness and agility. Let’s take a deeper dive into who Ainias Smith is and what he brings to the team.

High School & College

Ainias Smith, born in Missouri City, Texas, played his high school football at John Foster Dulles High School in Sugar Land, Texas. During his senior year, Smith rushed for 481 yards and 10 touchdowns while catching 55 passes for 717 yards and 10 touchdowns. Smith earned a 3-star rating from both 247Sports and ESPN. He then committed to Texas A&M.

During his career at A&M, he played both wide receiver and running back, finishing with 180 receptions for 2,407 yards and 19 touchdowns. As a rusher, he had 72 attempts for 405 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was also an exceptional returner, with 82 punt returns for 836 yards and 2 touchdowns. Smith earned First-team All-SEC honors in 2023.

Strengths

• Great after the catch: Super strong for his size, with great balance, making him a threat in the open field. His experience as a running back allows him to create something out of nothing.
• Fearless: Smith is not scared to catch the ball in the middle of the field.
• Shifty: While he may lack top-end speed, he excels in changing directions and making defenders miss.
  Quick to get in and out of breaks.
• Blue-collar football player: Willing to block and take hits. This is someone you love to see fight for your team.
  Reliable hands.
• Return skills will earn him extra playing time.

Weaknesses

• Durability concerns: Smith suffered a severe leg fracture in 2022, raising concerns about his long-term durability.
• Scheme-specific: Smith needs to be a fit within a specific offensive scheme. Changes in the offense could jeopardize his roster spot.
• Size limitations: His smaller frame limits him to the slot position. A smaller catch radius prevents him from being a threat on the outside.
• Not a vertical threat: His lack of top-end speed will limit his role in stretching the field vertically.

Summary

I know I’ve been positive about every rookie so far, except maybe Will Shipley, but I truly think Smith has the potential to be a dangerous slot receiver. His size won’t ever allow him to be an outside guy, and he doesn’t have elite top-end speed. However, he has the perfect skill set for the slot. He’s a tough, physical player who plays bigger than he is. His abilities as a return man will earn him some extra playing time if Britain Covey is off the team at any point in the future. I love this pick, and while his first year may be quiet, look out for Smith in the next few years.

Pro Comparison: Rondale Moore