Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia
Size:
Height: 6022
Weight: 224
Arm: 31 ¾”
Hand: 9 ¾”
Accomplishments:
Second-Team All-SEC (2023) • Five-star recruit
“Smael Mondon Jr. is a versatile, athletic linebacker with full-field speed and three-down NFL upside.”
Strengths:
Range
Athleticism
Tackling technique
Coverage ability
Concerns:
Disengage blocks
Pass-rush tools
Finding the football
Film Analysis:
Smael Mondon Jr. is coming off back-to-back seasons starting 11 or more games for the Bulldogs. In 2023, he finished second on the team with 68 tackles, accumulating 13 for loss over the past two seasons. His speed and athletic ability flash on the screen and Georgia uses him to terrorize opposing quarterbacks, whether through the blitz or as a spy.
Against the run, Mondon is gap-sound and attentive to possible quarterback options against play-action or option plays, using his speed to trigger downhill or pursue sideline to sideline. He’s able to stop and change direction quickly. When it’s time to tackle, Mondon has sound technique, always looking to wrap up, even if he falls around ball-carriers' ankles more than he should. He can defend running backs and tight ends in man or zone coverage with his range and natural coverage instincts. As a rusher, he’s more impactful as a gap shooter than a pure pass rusher; his downhill speed surprises quarterbacks.
Mondon could use more weight on his frame to help anchor against blockers and help his play strength to stack and shed offensive linemen. He’s routinely late to the football, having trouble locating where it goes with motions, jet sweeps, and play-action plays. He doesn’t trust what he sees, often playing with choppy, hesitant steps that allow offensive linemen to get to him at the second level. Mondon will need to add more tools to his pass-rush toolbox to be a more effective blitzer outside of pure speed.
Overall, Mondon has real three-down upside as a linebacker with his athletic ability, frame, and speed. However, he’s still a raw prospect who needs technical work, better play recognition, and getting stronger to realize his potential.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Daniel Harms
