There aren’t a ton of true close defensemen at the top of this year’s draft class, but Johns Hopkins defender Scott Smith is one of the few who could become a starter at the pro level.

The 2024 First-Team All-American has slid a little bit down draft boards as the Blue Jays season fell off the rails, but turn on the tape and you’ll see a player capable of defending the best attackers in the world.

Smith is known for highlight-reel checks, and his ability to take the ball away is a huge part of his value. He has 70 caused turnovers in his career, and maybe more importantly, he can be a force magnifier off the ground.

He racked up 145 ground balls in his career, including 56 in his All-American campaign a year ago. In the transition-heavy PLL, the ability to 1. get the ball on the ground and 2. win possession is a massive advantage.

This was a GROWN MAN ground ball by Scott Smith 💪😤

(via BTN, @jhumenslacrosse) pic.twitter.com/AzdOyE1Wd8

— TLN 🥍 (@LacrosseNetwork) April 19, 2025

That playmaking ability should lend itself to some positional versatility at the next level, as well. We’ve seen other top college defensemen like Brett Makar have to play more long-stick midfielder to get on the field, and Smith should be a strong defense-first LSM.

The biggest part of Smith’s game is his on-ball defending. He takes the other team’s top dodger more often than not, and he’s played well against the likes of McCabe Millon (Virginia) and Matt Traynor (Penn State).

Scott Smith takes Round 1 of his individual matchup with McCabe Millon 🚫💪

(via ESPNU, @jhumenslacrosse) pic.twitter.com/YNkhyqeDrM

— TLN 🥍 (@LacrosseNetwork) March 1, 2025

Even when he’s not throwing checks, he gets his stick involved to make attackers uncomfortable. He’s not the fastest defender in the world, but he matches feet well and doesn’t get beat often.

Scott Smith’s Player Comparison:

Jake Pulver with shades of Nick Grill

Pulver at his peak in the PLL was a madman on the defensive end, throwing checks, hitting hard and generally inspiring chaos. That aggressiveness is all over Smith’s game.

Scott Smith plays lacrosse like his life depends on it pic.twitter.com/tuuPH7sGZW

— Kevin Boilard (@KevinBoilard) February 5, 2025

Grill is another defense-first LSM who was a disruptive but dependable on-ball defender. He’s carved out a meaningful role with the Denver Outlaws, and I expect Smith to find a similar spot in the PLL.

Adams’ projected draft pick: No. 16 to Utah Archers

I could see Smith going practically anywhere in the second round, depending on which team likes Smith’s game and who needs more defensive depth. The reigning champs need more youth at close defense while also bolstering their LSM depth. 

Smith provides high upside at both.