2027 Summer Scouting: Carter Smith, OT, Indiana

Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Film

• Illinois
• Oregon
• Ohio State

Background Info

• Listed at 6-5, 313 lbs.
• 4-Star Recruit according to 247 Sports
• Named first-team All-Ohio, all-district, and All-Ohio Capital Conference in High School
• Lettered in Volleyball in High School
• Consensus All-American in 2025
• Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2025
• First-Team All-Big Ten in 2025

Notable career stats heading into 2026

• Played in 43 Games
• 1,343 Run Blocking Snaps
• 1,376 Pass Blocking Snaps
• 8 Sacks Allowed
• Called for 13 Penalties on 2,719 Snaps

Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026

• 70.3 Career Run Blocking Grade
• 68.8 Career Pass Blocking Grade
• 45 Pressures Allowed
• 3.2% Pressure Rate

Strengths

• Explodes off the snap
• Powerful punch
• Uses his length to his advantage
• Better in run blocking
• Maintains leverage with pass rushers
• Moves well being pulled to lead block

Player Summary

Carter Smith did not have many wow reps on film, but he was about as sound as one could hope for. The Ohio State film was a fun watch because I felt he got better as the game went on, which told me he was able to make adjustments. He has some explosiveness coming off the snap as he looks to engage defenders before they can get to him. He is a fun watch in run blocking but the leverage game he plays with pass rushers is not to be forgotten either. He is a fun tackle prospect to watch and see if he can develop just a smidge more in 2026 to break through the glass ceiling he is pressed against. 

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 NFL Draft: Summer scouting report on Indiana OT Carter Smith