Leonard Smith was drafted No. 17 overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1983 NFL Draft out of McNeese St.. 138 regular-season games · 8 seasons as a starter · 42 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #17
- Round
- 1
- Draft class
- 1983
- NFL games
- 138
- Years as starter
- 8
- Career AV
- 421st at McNeese St.
The pick
How Leonard Smith came off the board in 1983.
- Position
- Defensive back DB
- College
- McNeese St.
- Side of the ball
- Defense
NFL career
138 regular-season games · 8 seasons as a starter · 42 career approximate value
- Games played
- 138
- Seasons as a starter
- 8
- Career approximate value
- 421st among McNeese St. picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 2355% of career value
- Final season
- 19918 years after the draft
Around pick 17
Who came off the board on either side of Leonard Smith.
Illinois College
Alabama
Tennessee
USC · 3× All-Pro · 6× Pro Bowl
McNeese St. in the 1983 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other DB picks from McNeese St.
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Leonard Smith in the 1983 NFL Draft
Leonard Smith is a Defensive back out of McNeese St. selected No. 17 overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1983 NFL Draft. 138 regular-season games · 8 seasons as a starter · 42 career approximate value McNeese St. has produced 12 NFL draft picks since 1980.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Leonard Smith drafted?
Leonard Smith was selected No. 17 overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1983 NFL Draft (Rd 1). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1983/leonard-smith.
What college did Leonard Smith play for?
Leonard Smith played college football at McNeese St.. See every McNeese St. draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/mcneesestate.
How did Leonard Smith's NFL career turn out?
138 regular-season games · 8 seasons as a starter · 42 career approximate value Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1983/leonard-smith.