The Miami Dolphins made their first selection of the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday night, selecting former University of South Carolina defensive back Cam Smith.
After getting selected, Smith offered his initial thoughts about what he wants to do in the NFL as a Dolphins player.
Cam Smith: I can play multiple position but want to get my feet wet on the outside first and then inside later. #FinsUp
(Corrected Tweet)
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) April 29, 2023
Smith played four seasons with the Gamecocks, recording 91 total tackles, 18 passes defended, 3.5 tackles for loss and six interceptions.
The 22-year-old also offered an excited message on Twitter. Landon Grier, one of Smith’s teammates at South Carolina is the son of Chris Grier, the Dolphins’ general manager.
I ❤️ LANDON GRIER
— Cammmm ひ (@yjbcam) April 29, 2023
Getting drafted is a special and emotional moment for just about everybody, and that is undoubtedly the case for Smith and his family. Smith seemed to be fighting back tears while hearing his name announced.
The moment that changed it all!
Proud of you, @yjbcam! pic.twitter.com/rBFq0XPYi7
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) April 29, 2023
Smith joins a cornerback room that includes Xavien Howard, Jalen Ramsey and Kader Kohou. Being able to come in as a rookie and learn from two perennial Pro Bowlers will surely do wonders for Smith’s development.
While some Dolphins fans might’ve been hoping for the team to select a tight end or offensive lineman with its first pick, there’s still time for Miami to get those types of players.
The South Carolina native is listed at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, so he’s got some decent size to him. He also ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
“Long outside cornerback with instinctive eyes and the ball skills to consistently close on throws when in position,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “Smith lacks fluidity and acceleration to consistently press and run with speedy downfield targets. Also, he gives ground in his lateral transitions. However, he’s highly anticipatory with the vision and route recognition to shine from coverages allowing him to play with his eyes and feet forward. While his timing/length can be formidable weapons on contested catches, he often fails to move his feet quickly enough in transitions and ends up grabbing receivers, leading to penalties. Smith appears to be better suited for zone coverages and off-man but if he can trust his technique, he might become more scheme-diverse and develop into a CB2.”
Smith is good at reading quarterbacks and wide receivers to jump routes and passes, something that will undoubtedly come in handy at the next level.
Only time will tell whether or not Smith becomes a solid player for the Dolphins. Interestingly enough, Howard was also drafted by the team in the second round of his respective draft.
The Dolphins are scheduled to pick again in the third round, as they hold the No. 84 selection.
