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Draft analyst predicts Houston quarterback Donovan Smith as 2025 NFL first-round pick

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November 18, 2023; Houston, Texas, United States; Houston Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith (1) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Although Donovan Smith’s name is familiar to Big 12 fans, the NFL ranks are likely less familiar with his game.

Despite little buzz from most major media outlets about Smith’s actions in the NFL Draft, a Pro Football Network analyst believes the Houston signal-caller has upside potential in the first round.

Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings made an incredibly bold statement Friday, projecting Smith to be drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

“Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Smith ranks as a top-75 prospect and a worthy first-round candidate at quarterback,” Cummings said. “With stronger growth in 2024, he can force his way into the first round conversation. If I had to bet on another quarterback to join Carson Beck in the first round, that player would be Donovan Smith.

While Donovan Smith’s stats may not resemble those of a typical first-round quarterback, Smith is undoubtedly one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country and possesses impressive ability in the hasty attack.

The Nevada native is coming off the best season of his career in 2023 with 2,801 passing yards and a 22-13 touchdown/interception ratio. He also recorded 138 carries for 428 yards and six scores as a junior.

While NFL quarterback prospects come in all shapes and sizes at colleges around the world, it still seems pretty early to start handing out first-round grades to Donovan Smith.

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