Summer is officially here, and for football fans, that means one thing: it's scouting season. Our annual Summer Scouting series is back, giving you an early look at the college players who could shape the 2027 NFL Draft. Whether you're a Vikings fan tracking future needs or just love the game, we've got you covered with names to watch this fall.

Today, we're breaking down Indiana offensive tackle Carter Smith—a prospect who might not grab headlines yet but has the fundamentals to make a real impact. Smith earned first-team All-Ohio, all-district, and All-Ohio Capital Conference honors in high school, and his game tape shows why.

What stands out? Consistency. Smith's film doesn't feature many jaw-dropping plays, but his sound technique is impressive. Watching him against Ohio State was a treat—he got noticeably stronger as the game wore on, showing he can adjust on the fly. That's a huge plus for any lineman.

Smith brings explosiveness off the snap, beating defenders to the punch in run blocking. But don't sleep on his pass protection: he plays a smart leverage game against pass rushers, using positioning to neutralize speed. He's a fun tackle to track, and with a little more development in 2026, he could break through the ceiling he's currently pressing against.

Keep an eye on Smith this season—he's the kind of steady, coachable prospect that teams love to build around. Whether he ends up in Minnesota or elsewhere, his journey is worth following.