Information from this report was obtained from NFL scouts.
Harrison Smith is a 6-foot-2, 214-pound safety out of Notre Dame whom the Vikings chose with the 29th pick in the April draft. He has been a starter all season, giving the secondary a considerable upgrade.
Smith has the speed, range and ball skills of a good free safety, but he also has the size and physical play of a good strong safety. He hits hard and tackles well, even in the open field. His hips are loose enough and he is athletic enough to match up on a limited basis with a good tight end or running back.
The Vikings like to give him freedom to run and make plays. Smith has good instincts and can cover up for the mistakes of others.
Opponents should use play action and try to take advantage of Smith’s aggressiveness to get receivers open in the middle of the field.
