Not It: Donovan Smith, QB, University of Houston

First Round Mock’s William Yanish has studied Cougars’ quarterback (QB) Donovan Smith and has given him a low pre-season grade.

When it comes to our next prospect, Houston QB Donovan Smith, the Internet is all over the place about where they feel he should be drafted.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports came out on May 14 and projected Smith going No. 25 overall in the first round to the Dallas Cowboys.

Please, allow me to put my two cents in.

Background

Smith is a six-foot-five, 241 pound prospect from Wolfforth, Texas. He was a three-star recruit who started his college career playing two seasons with Texas Tech. His dad, DeAndre, just so happened to be the running backs coach there during that time.

Smith’s college career got a late start due to a preseason injury before the 2020 season.

His first career start was back in 2021 in a 41-38 win over Iowa State with their QB at the time, Brock Purdy.

Before the 2022 season, Smith was involved in an all-out QB competition at Texas Tech with Tyler Shough and incoming freshman Behren Morton. Shough ultimately won the competition, but then he was injured in the week one 63-10 victory over Murray State.

Smith was the next man up.

In four starts, all versus ranked opponents, his team won two and lost two. Smith was sacked 18 times during that stretch.

With a chance to start in Houston in 2023, Smith came in through the transfer portal for a fresh start. However, he posted a disappointing 4-8 record and his stats left a lot to be desired.

• 256 out of 397 (64.5%)
• 2,801 yards
• 22 touchdowns
• 13 interceptions
• 428 yards rushing and another six touchdowns

After the season, he underwent surgery for a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. According to the report, he missed spring practice sessions. The goal is that he is ready to start in the upcoming regular season.

The Yanish Report

Long, tall, tank of a player. Mobile and intimidating, but not overly aggressive runner. Footwork lags, at times. Long strides can congest the pocket. Picks up short, tough yardage on the ground. Good job keeping eyes downfield. Got some pop. Set feet and then throw. Elongated release. Will lock onto targets. Scattered progressions. Puts zip on his passes, but his arm strength doesn’t match the build. Will miss receivers altogether at times. Struggles with ball placement intermediate to deep. Ball security issues too. Has a good understanding of football. RAW. Inconsistent. Try-hard.

For the win

Smith is a player that there have been carbon copies of coming into the league for years. Sorting them out and sifting through their traits and information is very tedious work.

No matter how prepared you are, staring down targets leads to interceptions. It’s already happening in college and if it continues, it will double in the NFL. Smith also tends to get out of rhythm.

Mix in his injury history and it’s even more concerning.

Lastly, no matter how you look at it, the ability to strap a team on your back and march down the field for the game-winning score is arguably the most coveted asset in all sports. Outside the fire that I have witnessed from him occasionally, I have not seen anything from Smith that would indicate that he has that winning confidence. In fact, he often seems to find a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

I feel the best place for Smith to land is with his dad again ⎯now the running backs coach with the Indianapolis Colts. They could use a young backup. It makes sense.

My BIG three questions

1. Will he be able to stay healthy for an entire season without any setbacks?

2. Can he fine-tune his footwork and throwing mechanics for optimum performance?

3. Can he cut down on turnovers and recklessness?

My 2025 NFL Draft Value: Sixth Round

Would I draft him? No

2022 Game film evidence Texas Tech (Jersey No. 7)

NC State

Texas

Kansas

2023 Game film evidence Houston (Jersey No. 1)

UTSA

Rice

Texas Tech

Baylor

Oklahoma State

William Yanish III is a lifelong football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.