Any player battling for a roster spot knows that the best way to get one of the final 53 spots is special teams.
Which is why as Eagles training camp gets closer, fans should get to know cornerback Tremon Smith.
"You got to be fearless," Smith said of what makes a good kick returner. "Guys are running down fast on kickoffs, so stuff is happening fast, and with the blocks, guys can only hold their blocks so long. So it is really being fearless, seeing the hole, hitting it full speed."
Smith, 6-foot, 190 pounds, would know what it takes to succeed as a kick returner, as he is one of the few players on the Eagles roster with success doing it in the NFL. A sixth-round pick in 2018, Smith was named to the NFL All-Rookie team as a kick returner after totaling 886 yards on 33 returns. He also had success returning both punts and kicks in college at Central Arkansas.
Smith's success as a kick returner is likely why the Eagles signed him to their practice squad last December, and then signed him a reserve/futures contract in January.
This offseason Smith has been working (or learning virtually) as a kick returner in special teams meetings.
"Coach (Dave) Fipp does a great job of detailing how he wants guys to block, whether it is up front guys or guys that return. He does a good job of trusting us," Smith said. "That freedom from the coordinator helps me out as a returner and helps out any returner."
Smith's best chance onto the roster is as a kick returner, but he is also an intriguing prospect at corner.
Smith came into the NFL after coming away with 12 interceptions in three years as a starter at Central Arkansas, where he lined up both on the outside and spent time at nickel. He started at nickel with Kansas City, but was moved to the outside when they had a coaching change. Overall, he has played just 74 snaps in the NFL on defense.
Smith feels his aggressive style of play will fit in perfectly with what defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and secondary coach Marquand Manuel ask out of their cornerbacks.
"Ball hawk and a lot of speed," Smith said when asked to describe his game. "Of course I can do the stuff on special teams with kick return and all four phases, but I am really, really excited to play in this defensive scheme. I love what Schwatz has going on with this defense. I have been learning this defense since last year, I have been around, so it isn't like it is new to me coming into this offseason."
One box Smith definitely checks off is speed, something the Eagles have emphasized this offseason. Smith's first 40-time at his Pro Day was a 4.32, giving him the fastest 40 time of any cornerback on the Eagles roster.
Smith has been working this offseason in Florida to help combine his elite-level speed with better overall technique.
"Patience," Smith said of what he is working on this offseason. "Knowing I have great speed. Can't nobody — I'm just not really worried about getting run past or whatever. So I just have to work on my patience at the line, staying square, little things like that will make the top of the routes very easy for me, or just the fade balls, or whatever the case may be."
Smith's chances of landing on the 53-man roster are higher than many think. The Eagles have just three absolute locks at cornerback — Darius Slay, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Avonte Maddox. Sidney Jones and Cre'von LeBlanc are very close to locks. Rasul Douglas will likely make the team. That is six. Smith is likely the seventh right now. With a strong training camp both on special teams and on defense, Smith could definitely find his way onto the roster.
"One of my goals is to make the initial 53-man roster. Going out there, being competitive, challenging my teammates, having a good solid head and always trying to learn things," Smith said. "Pick things from Big Play Slay, pick things from Rod, J-Mills. Try to put it all together."
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
