I think another year would have done him a world of good. However, if he can get back to 100%, he should be an outstanding pro, although it may take him a few years.

I agree Gorilla...one more year in college would have done him wonders. However, it is what it is. I hope Aldon goes to a team that can develop him gradually, instead of relying on him from day one.

Unofficial #'s I found. I'll put Moch first because his 40 time was raved over and can be a point of comparison for straight line speed vs. burst/change of direction.

Moch (248lbs) 4.44 forty, 1.61 10yardsplit, 7.09 3 cone.

Smith (263) 4.78 forty, 1.78 10yardsplit, 7.14 3 cone.
Acho (262lbs) 4.68 forty, 1.60 10yardsplit, 6.69 3 cone.
Kerrigan (267) 4.71 forty, 1.65 10yardsplit, 7.18 3 cone.
Reed (263) 4.68 forty, ??? 10yardsplit, 7.11 3 cone.
Ayers (254) 4.80 forty, ??? 10yardsplit, 7.49 3 cone.
Houston (270) 4.68 forty, ???? 10yardsplit, 6.95 3 cone.

Agreed, but then that's why he's starting to look like he slips out of the first round. Most teams expect 1st rounders to step in and be a player immediately, on the other hand projects aren't usually first-rounders. And somebody said what difference does a few hundredths of a second make ? Well that was supposed to be Smiths long-suit, his forte. He was supposed to be a guy with lots of speed and overall athletic ability.

If I was Smith, I'd immediately have someone film me doing 14 backflips in a row. That would lock down any rumors of athletic inadequacy regardless of combine numbers.

I would agree that is generally true. However, these NFL teams also know that drafting younger kids who didn't play four full college seasons is a futures play, not necessarily who can do it the best from day one. I believe that Smith will develop into a helluva player, but he won't be that from day one. If a team is desperate, they shouldn't take a guy like this. If a team has some starting talent and can wait awhile for a guy who has a bigger upside, then Aldon will likely pay off big for that team.