Add D. Smith, CB to the list

[WPB Dawg Fan]

Browns | D. Smith claimed off waivers

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Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:38:36 -0700

 

Joe Reedy, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports the Cleveland Browns have claimed free-agent CB DeAngelo Smith (Cowboys) off waivers.

[WPB Dawg Fan]

Overview

 

Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly had one of the best cornerback duos in the country in Smith and Mike Mickens. Smith shared the national lead with eight interceptions in 2007, eventually forcing quarterback to re-consider throwing away from the more heralded Mickens. Followed it up with another solid season as a senior, racking up 68 tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups. NFL defenses relying on zone schemes see him as a good fit.

 

Analysis

 

Positives: Aggressive, adequately-sized corner with long arms and confidence. ... Stays low in his pedal and flips his hips open well. ... Good hands for the interception when closing forward on the ball. ... Attacks quick screens behind the line of scrimmage, will throw his body into the tackle. ... Has played some free safety when needed and also returned kicks. ... Works hard to improve his game.

 

Negatives: Fits best in a zone system where he can see the play in front of him and close on the ball. ... Plays near the line at times but does not get his hands on receivers. ... Gambles to get to the ball. ... Only adequate straight-line speed. ... Has trouble adjusting to the ball in the air and making the interceptions when moving backward. ... Has a tough time getting off wide receiver's blocks due to his lack of size and upper-body strength. ... Gets turned around easily. ... Lacks the suddenness to handle quick slot receivers. ... Not a physical tackler. ... Whiffs on attempts to cut tackle because he ducks his head. ... Questionable ball security, decision-making and speed as a punt returner.

[BernietheKid]

Here's another scouting report from CBS sportsline:

 

Smith teamed with Mike Mickens to form one of the elite cornerback tandems in college football. The two combined for 26 interceptions during their careers together, more than any other active duo in the NCAA in 2008. Always known for his outstanding hands, the right cornerback added a new wrinkle to his game as a senior taking over full-time punt return duties to add to his resume that included handling the bulk of kickoff return chores as a junior.

 

While not the celebrated tackler that Mickens is, Smith is a top-notch pass defender, breaking up 21 passes as a two-year starter. He ranks tied for second in school history with 12 interceptions and set the Bearcats' single-season record with eight pass thefts in 2007, ranking second nationally in that category. He also collected 179 yards in returns, the fifth-best total in Cincinnati annals, as his two touchdown returns are good for a third place tie in school history.

 

Causing problems for opposing quarterbacks is commonplace for Smith, who registered 11 interceptions, returning five for touchdowns, en route to earning All-State first-team honors as a senior at Independence High School. He closed out his career with 20 pass thefts, returning seven for scores.

 

Smith also caught 14 touchdown passes and totaled seven punt or kickoff returns for scores as a senior. He earned first-team All-City and All-District honors. He was named to the Columbus Dispatch-Agonis All-Star team, as he helped the team to a regional finals appearance in the state playoffs.

 

Smith enrolled at Cincinnati in 2004, spending the season on the scout team. The Bearcat Academic Honor Roll selection appeared briefly in seven games, mostly on special teams in 2005, finishing with one solo tackle. He was the top reserve at both cornerback positions in 2006, recording 23 tackles (17 solos) with three pass deflections, a pair of interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He made the most of his opportunity in his only game as a starter, earning Big East Player of the Week honors after posting six tackles and returning an interception 84 yards (fourth-longest return in school history) vs. Rutgers. He also gained 65 yards on four kickoff returns that campaign.

 

Smith took over right cornerback duties as a junior, coming up with 49 tackles (39 solos) that included 2.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He caused and recovered two fumbles, as he also deflected eight passes. His eight interceptions set the school single-season record and led the Big East Conference while ranking second in the nation. He also amassed 296 yards on 12 kickoff returns (24.7 avg), earning second-team All-Big East recognition.

 

In 2008, Smith was chosen All-Big East third-team. He started all 14 games, picking up the leadership slack in the secondary when Mickens was sidelined late in the season. He broke up 10 passes, intercepted two others and caused a fumble. He also had 53 tackles (36 solos) with 3.5 stops for loss. His versatility proved invaluable, as he lined up at free safety for the first five games before returning to his more familiar right cornerback spot for the rest of the schedule. He also averaged 9.5 yards on 23 punt returns.

 

Positives: Aggressive, adequately-sized corner with long arms and confidence. … Stays low in his pedal and flips his hips open well. … Good hands for the interception when closing forward on the ball. … Attacks quick screens behind the line of scrimmage, will throw his body into the tackle. … Has played some free safety when needed and also returned kicks. … Works hard to improve his game.

 

Negatives: Fits best in a zone system where he can see the play in front of him and close on the ball. … Plays near the line at times but does not get his hands on receivers. … Gambles to get to the ball. … Only adequate straight-line speed. … Has trouble adjusting to the ball in the air and making the interceptions when moving backward. … Has a tough time getting off wide receiver's blocks due to his lack of size and upper-body strength. … Gets turned around easily. … Lacks the suddenness to handle quick slot receivers. … Not a physical tackler. … Whiffs on attempts to cut tackle because he ducks his head. … Questionable ball security, decision-making and speed as a punt returner.

 

Campus: 4.52 in the 40-yard dash … 1.50 10-yard dash … 2.64 20-yard dash … 4.26 20-yard shuttle … 6.81 three-cone drill … 32-inch vertical jump … 9'7" broad jump.

 

Combine: 4.50 in the 40-yard dash … 1.50 10-yard dash … 2.63 20-yard dash … 4.35 20-yard shuttle … 7.27 three-cone drill … 31.5-inch vertical jump … 9'1" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 17 times … 29 1/2-inch arm length … 9 1/8-inch hands.

 

[Guest Aloysius]

Works hard to improve his game.

Also from his nfldraftscout profile:

 

Member of the Bearcat Academic Honor Roll

Mangini & Ko are taking the same approach now as they did with the draft: bringing in smart, high character players.

[YtownBrownsBacker]

I like that Smith can play some safety also. I remember seeing him play when he was at Cincy. He has a lot of upside.

 

They now have an excess at DB with 11 on the roster. They will attempt to sign Lockett to the practice squad. Getting Floyd might tell me that they didn't think they would get awarded Smith and put in a waiver bid on Floyd. I don't expect him to stick since they got Smith awarded after him.

 

Sometimes you don't know if you are going to get awarded a player so you put in a claim for another and both fall in your lap. But, they can always waive Floyd. I wasn't too impressed with that pickup. I think Smith has a a big upside if you are patient with him. I would imaging that Dallas tried to sneak him onto their practice squad hoping no one would put in a waiver claim for him.

 

I think smith and Peerman are two great pickups.