Philadelphia Eagles draft buzz: An exclusive with Ihmir Smith-Marsette

ITI sits down with another potential Philadelphia Eagles prospect.

While the Philadelphia Eagles parted ways with DeSean Jackson, they could still land another D-Jax type in the 2021 NFL Draft. Inside The Iggles recently had the opportunity to talk with Iowa Hawkeyes draft prospect Ihmir Smith-Marsette who has the same confidence, swagger, and energy about him that DeSean has. Like Jackson, Ihmir is a threat to take it to the house on any given play both as a receiver and as a return man.

It’s no coincidence that Ihmir resembles the man that became a Philadelphia Eagles legend in so many ways. When we asked Ihmir about some of the NFL receivers he admires, number 10’s name came up:

“I love how Stefon Diggs and Davante Adams bring their own creativity to the game but back in the day, it was DeSean Jackson. I just loved his style of play and who he was on the field. He was able to just be himself and have fun while making big plays. I was an Eagles fan as a kid. Right now, I don’t have a favorite team since I’m heading into the NFL.”

Ihmir has that same attitude on the field and just has fun. In his three-touchdown performance in the Holiday Bowl in 2019, he hurdled a defender on a kickoff and then gave USC Tyreek Hill’s signature peace sign on his way to the endzone.

Speaking of hurdles, he jumped over the Indiana kicker on a 60-yard kick return in 2018. He’s also built to play in the big moment. In his freshman year, he caught a walk-off touchdown in overtime versus the rival Iowa State Cyclones.

Philadelphia Eagles fans will love Smith-Marsette’s versatility.

Smith-Marsette recently participated in Iowa’s Pro Day and was listed as being just over six-foot tall and 181 pounds. He also ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. He fits the typical Z-receiver role at the NFL with his explosiveness and burst.

In college, he was often in motion and was a threat to get the ball on jet sweeps, reverses, and end arounds. In the passing game, the Hawkeyes tried to get him YAC opportunities often on tunnel screens.

He can also stretch the field for any offense and has the ability to make some acrobatic catches. That versatility was a big part of the reason he finished his career with 1,889 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns. Here’s how the Iowa product described his playstyle in his own words:

“I can do it all. My game is all-around. I can contribute everywhere – inside, outside, out of the backfield, anything. Overall, I feel like I’m good at every level. I can take the top off of the defense, I can run intermediate routes, and I can take short routes and screens for a big gain”.

We didn’t see him run a lot of intermediate routes at the NCAA level though, did we? Don’t worry. There’s a lot about this young man’s game that you haven’t been exposed to. Smith-Marsette continued with his thought.

“Even though intermediate route running isn’t something that people saw me do a whole lot at Iowa, it’s something that I’ve really got in my game. Iowa’s offense was a little bit more pro-style with play-action and deep shots. I still run them very well. I can also take handoffs on jet sweeps and end arounds. I can play on special teams. I feel like I have the total package, and I’m somebody who can make a big play from anywhere.”

Many wideouts are criticized during the draft season for not being able to run the full route tree. Coaches won’t have that problem with Ihmir. In terms of route running technique, Smith-Marsette is twitchy which is evident when you see him on double moves.

His favorite route to run is the post-corner which he has broken some ankles on during his career. Ihmir had more to say on the little things that have wide receivers need to focus on in:

“There’s a lot of little things that you have to be fundamentally sound on that people don’t notice in a game. If you have a timing route, you can’t let the cornerback get his hands on you or push you off of your route. Then, instead of taking seven steps, you’re taking nine because you ran two yards to the side instead of two yards upfield”.

Pay very close attention here. This is good and a sign of a young man being wise beyond his years.

“People sometimes criticize quarterbacks for throwing a bad pass when wideouts are actually supposed to be at their spots. Fans just see it as a play but for us as players see it as much bigger than that. It’s more than just a wideout running a hook route. Sometimes a hook converts against a certain coverage and maybe the wideout reads the coverage wrong. There’s a lot that goes into the fundamental aspect that people don’t see behind the scenes”.

In 2018, Smith-Marsette was the Big-Ten Return Specialist of the Year. When we talked to him about what separates his game from other wideouts in the draft, he brought up his big-play ability and specifically, his contributions on special teams.

He ended his college career with 1,520 kick return yards (28.7 yards per return) and two kick return touchdowns. Coaches are always looking for players who can make an impact in the third phase of the game. Ihmir understands the importance of it as well:

“I take pride in special teams because not everyone else wants to do it. I’m going to go out there and give it my all. Special teams is a big part of the game. Kickoffs aren’t being returned as much anymore. You never know what impact it could have. One play on special teams could set the tone and be the reason your defense is in tune or your offense comes out with a spark. I feel like that’s what separates me from the other guys. I’m one of the best in the game as a return man. Wherever you need me on special teams, I can do it.”

Here are a few final thoughts if you’re a Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Smith-Marsette is going to make 2021 NFL highlight reels. That’s a given. In a talented class of wide receivers, he’ll end up being one of the big-time playmakers in the league if all goes well.

Any team would be lucky to have him on Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft. Expect his stock to rise on draft night. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see some team grab him earlier than some analysts and scouts expect.

If he is somehow on the board on Day 3, any team would be foolish not to pull the trigger and take the Iowa receiver. Smith-Marsette should become a fan favorite wherever he lands. Philadelphia Eagles fans should be hoping that he ends up in Philly.