Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
- Tennessee
- Georgia
Background Info
- Listed at 6-3/297 lbs.
- 5-Star prospect according to 247 Sports
- Played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game
- Transferred from Alabama to Ohio State
Notable career stats heading into 2026
- 50 Tackles
- 10 Tackles for a Loss
- 2 Sacks
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
- 16 QB Hurries
- 3 Passes batted at the line of scrimmage
- 29 Defensive stops
- Pass Rush Win Rate of 12.5%
Strengths
- Explodes off the ball into blockers
- Strength for days
- Disrupts the running games
- Strong hands to get and maintain leverage
- Good awareness to keep track of the ball carrier and quarterback
Player Summary
James Smith is a big unit on the defensive line and serves the role of run stuffer perfectly. He has some serious power behind his size when he bull rushes or tries to shed blockers. He doesn’t do much on film beyond the run stuffing, but seeing him blended into Ohio State’s defense will be interesting to watch. Matt Patricia usually offers some unique roles for defensive linemen, so he has a chance to expand his abilities in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report on Ohio State’s James Smith
