2025 NFL Summer Draft Scouting Report: Donovan Smith, QB, Houston

Arm strength

Donovan Smith may have the most talented arm in this NFL draft class. With a flick of his wrist, he can throw the ball almost effortlessly, up to 60 yards. In short to intermediate passes, he shows the arm strength necessary to still succeed in tight windows. Smith’s arm strength took him out and will save him from many of the problems he faces in 2024 and beyond.

Mobility

Donovan Smith doesn’t have the best pocket presence or mobility, but he makes up for it with his natural running ability. Smith is capable of gaining 15-20 yards on every chance the defense gives him to escape the pocket and extend a play. He’s handled the quarterback’s designed runs well and could easily be a goal-line or third-down threat with his size and running ability.

Ball placement

Like a boxer who can give his opponent the first two rounds while he gets his reach, Smith needs time to warm up. When he warms up, Smith starts throwing darts and can quickly hit his receivers in stride over the middle. His deep ball can be hit or miss, but he has the strength. With some minor tweaking, he could be an elite-level deep ball threat.