Andre Smith Channeling Shawn Andrews?

The biggest news out of the NFL Combine so far has been the falling stock of Alabama’s Andre Smith.  Smith was widely regarded as the #1 OT in this year’s draft and was a sure fie top 10 selection before this weekend.   After not participating in any drills because he is over weight and reportedly giving horrible interviews to numerous teams, Smith up and left Indianapolis and returned to Alabama.  As a result, he could see his draft stock plummet faster than the Dow Jones Industrial.

Here’s what SI.com has reported about Smith’s inexplicable actions this weekend.

It’s been a bizarre few days for Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith, considered by most to be a top five pick. Immediately before the second group of offensive linemen were about to start their workout, an official announcement was made stating Smith had left the combine headquarters unannounced. After a long search, Smith was found 30 minutes before the workout began. The announcement went on to say Smith and his agent were giving conflicting stories as to the reason of his disappearance. Sources later said Smith’s interviews with teams have been going horribly. He’s been inappropriately dressed and has been giving a number of conflicting statements as to why he was choosing not to workout at the combine. Several offensive line coaches have already suggested Smith be removed from their team’s draft board and there’s no doubt his draft stock is falling.

Five years ago the Eagles traded up in the first round of the draft to select Shawn Andrews.  Many had Andrews off of their boards because he had issues with his weight and many questioned his work ethic.  Up until Andrew’s bizarre 2008 season, that move worked out great for the Eagles.  Andrews committed himself to getting in playing shape and was playing at a Pro Bowl level before this season.

Could Smith fall enough in the first round to a point where the Eagles could select him or have an opportunity to trade up without it costing both of their first round picks?  It’s still too early to tell.  One thing that is pretty certain now though, is that Smtih’s combine “performance” will definitely affect the Eagles’ draft plans.  Reports last week surfaced that the Birds were interested in Baylor’s Jason Smith.  Smith was easily considered out of the Eagles range with the 21st pick, but possibly close enough that the Eagles could have moved up to grab him without having to surrender both first rounders.

Jason Smith’s performance at the combine - 33 reps in the bench press - combined with Andre Smith’s decision to not participate and his poor interviews could lead to Jason Smith being the top tackle selected in the draft.   At a minimum, Jason has moved himself firmly into the top 10 and would likely cost the Eagles both first rounders in order to move up high enough to select him.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this all plays out.  With Jordan Gross off the market, it is clear that the Eagles must find a tackle in this draft.  Jason Smith looked like a possibility, but will the FO give up both first rounders to get him?  Michael Oher has been linked to the Eagles on a few mock drafts, but I just don’t see him lasting till the 21st pick even after putting up just 22 reps Friday.  Could Andre Smith go from a top 10 pick all the way down to the second half of the first round based on what he did this weekend?  Maybe more importantly, would the Eagles take a chance on Andre if he were to slide all the way to 21st?  The gamble paid off in a big way with Andrews before the ‘08 season, but with his status still somewhat unclear, would they take a chance like that again?

It’s going to be a fun couple months till the draft.