*****The Trey Smith Thread*****

[Dante84]

More to come!

Spoiler!

Henry Louis "Trey" Smith III has gone through much adversity since high school but continues to battle. His mother, Dorsetta, passed away from congestive heart failure when he was at the University School at Jackson in Tennessee. While there, he excelled on the gridiron, winning the Mr. Football Award twice and garnering a first-team All-American and top-10 overall recruit rating nationally. The Volunteers kept him in-state, and he received second-team All-SEC, Freshman All-American, and SEC All-Freshman recognition as a 12-game starter (eight at right guard, four at left tackle). After the season, however, he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. Smith fought through that malady to return for the 2018 campaign but had to stop after seven starts at left tackle as doctors believed the clots had returned. However, additional study of those test results showed that doctors might have actually seen scar tissue from the previous clots. Smith worked hard in the offseason, losing 40 pounds, and he garnered 2019 first-team All-SEC honors after moving inside to left guard, where he started 12 of 13 games played. He was a first-team all-conference selection again in 2020, starting all 11 games at left guard for the Volunteers. He received the Jason Witten Award for leadership on the field and community service off the field, as well as the Fritz Pollard Trophy for extraordinary courage and community values. He accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. -- by Chad Reuter

Overview
When putting together a guard built for an NFL power-based scheme, the blueprint would probably look like Smith. He's big, wide, strong, long and will flash an aggressive streak when he gets geared up. The lack of body control and technique he put on tape suggests it may be difficult for him to overcome his limited athleticism. An offseason of fundamentals work should help Smith become more efficient into first contact, which will really unlock his power at the point of attack. He's been one of the more talked about guard prospects over the last few years but might be in for a bumpy beginning as he adjusts to the athletes and technicians he will face as a pro.
Strengths

• Elite size and length for the position.
• Frame is broad and thick.
• Very heavy-handed with plus upper-body strength.
• Able to throw a sack of bricks at opponent when he punches.
• Has physical potential to become dominant with better technique.
• Drive power to turn base blocks out of the gap.
• Can bang and cave his down-blocks.
• Knock-back pop on both first and second levels.
• Good job of finding targets on his short pulls.
• Sets a very firm anchor against bull rushers.
• Has faced off against a variety of current pro defenders during career.

Weaknesses

• Lack of range shows up in run game and pass sets.
• Long first step, causing him to overshoot his landmark and lose positioning.
• Needs better footwork and hand clinch for improved sustain.
• Will cheat secure block to save time getting up to linebacker on combos.
• Plays with hitch and outside hands with pass punch.
• Below-average body control and recovery potential.
• Loses balance and positioning against rush counters.
• Struggles to redirect weight after biting on fakes in pass pro.
• Slide quickness to cut off the gaps is a concern.
• Has dealt with blood clotting issues.

Sources Tell Us
"I guess you don't like big, aggressive guards, Lance? I know he has things to work on, but they can be coached up. The (history of blood clots) is a much bigger issue than anything on tape for me." -- Personnel executive for NFC team

I’m so happy for @TreySmith73 going to the @chiefs. Finally. Chiefs Kingdom got an awesome player and fantastic human!!

Check out his story on Big Boys Club Draft Academy pic.twitter.com/cPX48fA4jP

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) May 1, 2021

[TwistedChief]

If you’ve allowed a sack in college, Veach wouldn’t even consider taking you home and kicking you out of bed in the morning.

[Tribal Warfare]

Chiefs just got A REAL GUARD! Congrats brotha can’t wait to see you put on that yellow jacket @TreySmith73 enjoy a great city better people n the best bbq #chiefkingdom y’all got the best pick in the draft !!! Go be great!!!!!!!!!

— Kahlil McKenzie Jr. (@Kahlil_Mckenzie) May 1, 2021

[oldman]

The footwork issues can be fixed with coaching. It's one thing to play with those in college, quite another in the NFL. Let's just hope he listens. The other thing that bothers me is the blood clot issue. I know it's been 2 years, but that willl have to be monitored. I'm OK with this pick at 226.

To the issue of the number linemen, Long and Blythe are cheap 1 year rentals. The only way Wylie should ever see Arrowhead again is on TV. The same thing can be said for Witzmann.

[Tribal Warfare]

This pick IMO was influenced by the nasty attitude that Osemele brought to the line. Reid commented that it was a welcome addition too

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Kellerfox

They aren’t going to get rid of Rankin as our #4 OT in my opinion, and let’s assume Smith is safe. That likely spells the end of Wylie and Allegretti at a minimum, and maybe LDT if they think Long is he starter at RG. Hope we can get Allegretti onto the PS.

The Chiefs can't cut LDT without taking at least a $5 million dollar dead cap hit, so I don't think there's any doubt he'll make the 53.

Allegretti started way too many games last year for him to slip through waivers and he'd be claimed immediately.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Winnebago is a development tackle so it'll depend if they keep 3 or 4.

Well, if Niang is the starting right tackle as expected, I think Remmers will once again be the Swing Tackle and who ever wins the battle battle between Winnebago and Rankin will end up as their second backup.

I tend to think Smith will be the 3rd or 4th guard, with Winnebago on the PS and Rankin outright cut.

It's pretty clear that the Chiefs don't trust Rankin because if they did, Reid would have plugged him into the left tackle position for the Super Bowl.

[dirk digler]

From what I understand he hasn’t had blood clots since 2018 so hopefully he will remain healthy because we just got one of the steals of the draft.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Chiefs just got A REAL GUARD! Congrats brotha can’t wait to see you put on that yellow jacket @TreySmith73 enjoy a great city better people n the best bbq #chiefkingdom y’all got the best pick in the draft !!! Go be great!!!!!!!!!

— Kahlil McKenzie Jr. (@Kahlil_Mckenzie) May 1, 2021

A REAL GUARD. As opposed to a DT that tries to convert to guard, right?

[Fansy the Famous Bard]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

The Chiefs can't cut LDT without taking at least a $5 million dollar dead cap hit, so I don't think there's any doubt he'll make the 53.

Allegretti started way too many games last year for him to slip through waivers and he'd be claimed immediately.

He's also a quality lineman. As last year shows, you cannot have too many of those.

[Coach]

Oh my, I really like the nastiness of this guy.

Looks like Trey was an All-American for a reason �� @TreySmith73 pic.twitter.com/ohRkzLSjUq

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 2, 2021

[Kellerfox]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

The Chiefs can't cut LDT without taking at least a $5 million dollar dead cap hit, so I don't think there's any doubt he'll make the 53.

Allegretti started way too many games last year for him to slip through waivers and he'd be claimed immediately.

The below is based on my understanding of his contract, which very well could be wrong.

His base salary and bonus are guaranteed this year regardless, so the issue is over next years prorated bonus in what is effectively a void year. The options are simple:

Keep LDT for the 2021 season (would be his last year here unless extended) and his cap hit is $4,750,000 this year and $2,000,000 next year when he’s off the roster

OR

Cut LDT and pay all $6,750,000 in 2021 and have more cap space in 2022

I’m not advocating for either approach. Assuming he regains his prior form, he is competing for a starting position and we aren’t cutting a starter. But, if he isn’t the same player he was due to increased age and time off, there is rational logic that may make him an appealing cut. We currently have available cap space in 2021 with very few holes to fill. 2022 may be tight given how few players we have under contract. After Training Camp, if it’s determined that LDT isn’t one of our top 9-10, Veach may prefer to bite the bullet this year to have more flexibility next year.

Again, I think he’s safe and I think he contributes, but I also think there are scenarios where he could be cut.


Edit: Yes, also agree with you that I don’t think Allegretti would make it to the Practice Squad. He would get snatched up. I like him as swing depth... but we’ve also got a lot of depth now and only so many roster spots.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Kellerfox

His base salary and bonus are guaranteed this year regardless, so the issue is over next years prorated bonus in what is effectively a void year. The options are simple:

Keep LDT for the 2021 season (would be his last year here unless extended) and his cap hit is $4,750,000 this year and $2,000,000 next year when he’s off the roster

OR

Cut LDT and pay all $6,750,000 in 2021 and have more cap space in 2022

I’m not advocating for either approach. Assuming he regains his prior form, he is competing for a starting position and we aren’t cutting a starter. But, if he isn’t the same player he was due to increased age and time off, there is rational logic that may make him an appealing cut. We currently have available cap space in 2021 with very few holes to fill. 2022 may be tight given how few players we have under contract. After Training Camp, if it’s determined that LDT isn’t one of our top 9-10, Veach may prefer to bite the bullet this year to have more flexibility next year.

Again, I think he’s safe and I think he contributes, but I also think there are scenarios where he could be cut.

The only way he’s cut is if he’s completely out of shape, lethargic and slow in Training Camp.


Otherwise, the Chiefs would be taking a huge risk with Kyle Long, who hasn’t played in two years and hasn’t been healthy enough to play a full season in six years, and a 6th round guard.


This is going to be, at minimum, a 20 game season and possibly 21. I just don’t see any benefit in cutting LDT unless the dude is just no longer a football player.

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

#ChiefsKingdom I’ll go ahead and ask the obvious question @TreySmith73 and I are thinking as O-Linemen... best bbq joints in KC?

— Creed Humphrey (@creed_humphrey) May 1, 2021

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Kellerfox

The below is based on my understanding of his contract, which very well could be wrong.

His base salary and bonus are guaranteed this year regardless, so the issue is over next years prorated bonus in what is effectively a void year. The options are simple:

Keep LDT for the 2021 season (would be his last year here unless extended) and his cap hit is $4,750,000 this year and $2,000,000 next year when he’s off the roster

OR

Cut LDT and pay all $6,750,000 in 2021 and have more cap space in 2022

I’m not advocating for either approach. Assuming he regains his prior form, he is competing for a starting position and we aren’t cutting a starter. But, if he isn’t the same player he was due to increased age and time off, there is rational logic that may make him an appealing cut. We currently have available cap space in 2021 with very few holes to fill. 2022 may be tight given how few players we have under contract. After Training Camp, if it’s determined that LDT isn’t one of our top 9-10, Veach may prefer to bite the bullet this year to have more flexibility next year.

Again, I think he’s safe and I think he contributes, but I also think there are scenarios where he could be cut.


Edit: Yes, also agree with you that I don’t think Allegretti would make it to the Practice Squad. He would get snatched up. I like him as swing depth... but we’ve also got a lot of depth now and only so many roster spots.

You must be new here, so, first thing first:

Welcome aboard. Second thing,

Good post, I like it. I can see that it can go both ways. I think the bigger culprits of likely getting cut first before LDT would be Rankin and Wylie. Wylie was bad, and never really impressed me that much. So I see those two guys getting kicked to the curb first before messing with LDT.

Of course, like you said, if LDT skills has declined because of the opt-out year, I can see that scenario happening as well. But the risk the Chiefs run is that if they lose LDT and keep Wylie, and Long gets injured again.... yeah.

I just feel like Wylie is the worst option to keep on the roster, one way or another.

[Mecca]

So there's a rumor floating that the Chiefs are the only team that medically cleared Smith. Carolina and NE had interest as far back as round 3 and their medical staffs said no go.