Seattle Seahawks select Ohio State defensive lineman Tyreke Smith in 2022 NFL Draft

Tyreke Smith was a big part of Ohio State’s defensive lineman over the past four seasons, and now his work has paid off after being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. Smith was taken with the No. 158 overall pick in the fifth round by the Seattle Seahawks.

As a freshman in 2018, he totaled nine tackles. Smith then had 12 tackles with five tackles for loss and three sacks as a sophomore in 2019. In 2020, he had just eight tackles with one tackle for loss and one sack in five games.

This past season, Smith had the best year of his collegiate career with 26 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, two passes defended, and one forced fumble.

Now, with his college days behind him and his name having been called in the NFL Draft, Smith will now look to impress during training camp and gain his footing at the professional level.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Tyreke Smith

Prior to the NFL Draft, analyst Lance Zierlein broke down Smith’s game and where he stood as a prospect in this year’s class. Ultimately, Zierlein sees Smith turning into a rotational piece in the NFL. He gave Smith a NFL comparison of D.J. Wonnum, who broke out this past season with eight sacks for the Minnesota Vikings.

“Elastic, long-limbed edge defender whose unbridled, attacking style brings both highs and lows in every game,” Zierlein said. “Smith’s urgent motor is an ingredient that gives him a chance to find some success in the pros, but his inefficiencies and lack of body control limit his ceiling.

“Filling out the frame — especially his lower half — will be essential to become a functional edge setter. His pass rush is long and slippery, and there are enough flashes to intrigue evaluators looking for a rotational 4-3 end with sub-package rush potential.”