INDIANAPOLIS – These are the boots on the ground identifiers of the draft talent and the character.
It’s time for our annual summer series where we look back on the Colts draft picks in 2025, via the scouts.
Here are the Colts scouts on 6th round pick Tim Smith:
When the Colts hired new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Chris Ballard knew the defensive line would have to be scouted differently.
Upon hearing this, you had to figure the Colts would be trying to re-tool some of their defensive line, even if it was mostly in the depth areas.
And that’s where a guy like Tim Smith comes into play.
In the 6th round of the 2025 Draft, the Colts selected the 6-4, 306-pound defensive tackle out of Alabama.
“I think what’s unique about him is his ability to play blocks,” assistant director of college scouting, Jamie Moore says. “It’s something that Lou talked about when he got here, explaining how this defense is going to operate up front.
“Tim has very heavy hands. He’s got knockback.”
Smith’s production in college (6.5 career sacks and 14.5 career tackles for loss) didn’t garner major accolades, but the Colts got an up-close look at him during the Senior Bowl.
They also brought him in for a top-30 visit during the draft process.
In 2025, assuming Smith makes the team, his role shouldn’t be one carrying a heavy Day 1 burden.
Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner are mainstays. And the team is high on free agent signing Neville Gallimore providing important rotational reps off the bench.
But depth on the defensive line is always key and the Colts struggled in that area last season.
When Day 3 of the draft rolled around, the Colts defensive staff was getting a bit antsy after the first 3 picks when to the offensive side of the ball.
The new focus from Anarumo though led to the Colts tapping into a player who Nick Saban recruited and coached.
“If anybody has ever studied a Nick Saban defense, you understand that you better know how to play with your hands,” Moore added.
“He can play square to the line of scrimmage, he’s a really good run defender.”