PFF Analysts

Ryan Smith

NFL Contributor • View all analysts

Recent Articles

nfl-top-wr-cb-battles-recent-one-sided-tight-matchups

One-on-one duels between the NFL's top wide receivers and cornerbacks are appointment television every season.

By Ryan Smith Jun 13, 2025 6:30 am EDT
nfl-second-year-players-bigger-roles-2025

Some rookies break out immediately, while others need a year to get their foot in the door.

By Ryan Smith Jun 6, 2025 7:00 am EDT
nfl-every-team-highest-graded-rookie-since-2006

Rookies performances can make or break a season for an NFL team. Here is each franchise's highest-graded first-year player in the PFF era.

By Ryan Smith May 30, 2025 7:45 am EDT
nfl-pff-edge-defender-rankings-top-32-2025-nfl-season

In today’s NFL, edge defender has become one of the game’s premier positions, and the league is loaded with elite talent off the edge.

By Ryan Smith May 26, 2025 6:15 am EDT
2025-nfl-comeback-watch-10-players-returning-from-injury

For players recovering from major injuries, OTAs mark a pivotal milestone in the rehab process. For some, it’s their first time navigating a serious setback. For others, it's a familiar road they hope leads to full recovery and renewed impact.

By Ryan Smith May 22, 2025 11:20 am EDT
nfl-players-under-pressure-contract-year-2025

While Brock Purdy’s long-term contract outlook appears encouraging, many players around the league can't say the same. Here are five players who will be under pressure to perform this season in the final year of their contract.

By Ryan Smith May 16, 2025 7:25 am EDT
nfl-top-landing-spots-free-agents-2025-nfl-draft

Several talented free agents are still looking for teams following the 2025 NFL Draft, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

By Ryan Smith May 2, 2025 7:45 am EDT
draft-2025-nfl-draft-teams-trending-up-down-after-day-2

As usual, some teams were fortunate to have top prospects fall to them late after others made questionable decisions with reaches. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at three teams trending up and three teams trending down after Day 2.

By Ryan Smith Apr 26, 2025 1:02 am EDT
draft-2025-nfl-draft-teams-trending-up-down-round-1

The Eagles and Ravens are among the teams trending up after Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

By Ryan Smith Apr 25, 2025 1:35 am EDT
draft-2025-nfl-draft-prospects-peaked-before-2024

Some 2025 NFL Draft prospects built their stock on prior success as opposed to star play in 2024.

By Ryan Smith Apr 18, 2025 6:00 am EDT
draft-2025-nfl-draft-players-most-lose-gain

It can be easy to forget about the repercussions the NFL draft has on existing NFL players who were previously expected to assume significant roles.

By Ryan Smith Apr 11, 2025 5:45 am EDT
draft-2025-nfl-draft-potential-nfl-player-prospect-pairings

Some 2025 NFL Draft prospects could join established NFL talents to create elite tandems.

By Ryan Smith Apr 4, 2025 7:00 am EDT
nfl-most-unbreakable-pff-nfl-records

Some names, Aaron Donald among them, will forever be etched into the PFF record book.

By Ryan Smith Mar 28, 2025 5:45 am EDT
draft-2025-nfl-draft-top-edge-defenders-past-pass-rusher-breakouts

Getting pressure on the quarterback is the great equalizer. These edge defender draft prospects are poised to find early pass-rushing success in the NFL.

By Ryan Smith Mar 21, 2025 9:30 am EDT
nfl-under-the-radar-signings-nfl-free-agency

The Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Chargers were among the teams that made underrated signings early in free agency.

By Ryan Smith Mar 14, 2025 5:15 am EDT
nfl-miami-dolphins-devon-achane-wide-receiver-2025

While De'Von Achane is an asset out of the backfield, the Dolphins should consider moving his talents out wide, where he would be poised to thrive.

By Ryan Smith Mar 7, 2025 8:55 am EST Miami Dolphins
draft-2025-nfl-draft-ranking-the-best-interior-offensive-linemen-by-pressure-rate

Ryan Smith ranks the best interior offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft by pressure rate.

By Ryan Smith Feb 28, 2025 5:45 am EST
nfl-offensive-line-success-why-building-through-the-nfl-draft-is-the-key

Ryan Smith details why teams need to build their offensive lines through the NFL draft to maximize their chances of success.

By Ryan Smith Feb 21, 2025 5:30 am EST
NFL
Premium Content
nfl-2025-nfl-outlook-examining-rebuilders-contenders

The New England Patriots' rebuild continues, while the Washington Commanders' championship window is just getting beginning.

By Ryan Smith Feb 14, 2025 9:50 am EST
nfl-all-super-bowl-59-team-travis-kelce-zack-baun-quinyon-mitchell

We highlight the best players at every position in Super Bowl 59 between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.

By Ryan Smith Feb 7, 2025 9:30 am EST
Bio

Ryan joined PFF in May 2015 and currently works as a Senior Analyst on the data team. Ryan also contributes articles to the content team. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s degree in Writing and Rhetoric.

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