re: Was anyone expecting Preston Smith to be this good?

No one was expecting him to be the best DL in the SEC the first 3 weeks -- but he was close to elite last year. Was a much better all-around DE than Autry. Far more physical and less likely to get made a total fool in run support. Was actually a superior pass rusher in both of Autry's years too...

Smith had a decent draft grade and thought about leaving early. Pros consider him similar to McPhee in alot of ways ...