QB Brett Smith Among Undrafted Signings
May 11th, 2014
Jason Licht has mentioned that Lovie Smith has a special place in his heart and great respect for undrafted free agents, the true longshots of the NFL.
Per NFL.com, the Bucs have signed the following over the past 12 hours in what’s known as the second draft.
Boise State WR Aaron Burks
Texas A&M WR Toney Hurd Jr.
Lynchburg CB Keith Lewis
Florida WR Solomon Patton
Wyoming QB Brett Smith
Eastern Michigan S Mycal Swaim
Now Joe doesn’t get all hot in the pants about these guys like many fans do. Typically, a regime will have one or two that they really love and consider likely to make the roster. Cornerback Rashaan Melvin was that guy for the New Schiano Order regime last year. It was Leonard Johnson in 2012. Given that the Bucs only had six draft picks, one would think an undrafted player would have a better shot this season.
Joe absolutely does not think the signing of Smith says anything about the QB position.
Lovie Smith already is on record saying he wants four quarterbacks coming to training camp, which is pretty standard.
Also, Lovie already has said he is a two-quarterbacks kind of guy when it comes to setting a regular season roster. Keep in mind Lovie is the same guy who cut Josh McCown a few years ago in Chicago because he didn’t want a third QB and he thought Jason Campbell was better.
So, no, Smith is no threat to the McCown-Mike Glennon mix.
To get on the Bucs’ practice squad, any of these undrafted free agents would have to be cut, which exposes them to the rest of the NFL, then re-signed for the Bucs practice squad in September or later.
May 11th, 2014 at 8:01 am
Lovie looks like Scatman Crothers trying to look like a Slee-stack.
Go Bucs!
May 11th, 2014 at 8:07 am
SI.COM
“Smith warrants a top 50 pick, but could end up going in the first round due to the amount of needs NFL teams have.”
Could this be the QB that Tedford was talking about…..one with “francise” potential that wasn’t apparent?
Under the circumstances….it is possible that if Smith really performs well that Lovie would keep 3 QBs….
This looks a lot like a set-up….drafting Herron & then bringing in Smith. After all, Marcus Arroyo was his OC & QB coach in 2009-10.
May 11th, 2014 at 8:09 am
Probably wrong about the 09-10….
May 11th, 2014 at 8:32 am
Looks like our draft was well regarded nationally.
May 11th, 2014 at 8:32 am
Joe will get “all hot in the pants ” over this….
http://www.gbnreport.com/2015projectin.html
May 11th, 2014 at 8:35 am
@tampabaybucfan Good call on Arroyo. Franchise UDFA QB? First time for everything…
May 11th, 2014 at 8:38 am
Brett Smith has that athletic ability and was definitely better than a few of the drafted QBs IMO but still probably only worth a later round pick. This draft had really annoyed me, as I was one of the fans praying for a QB in round 1 or 2 and the fact that I haven’t been able to enjoy the pick of Evans as much as he deserves bothers me.
On the bright though:
1) We were a shambles last year, but to be fair to L&L we’re now looking like a pretty solid team. I have faith in McCown to do a job with our shiny new targets. Hopefully we can nab an experienced Guard from somewhere before the season begins.
2) The 2015 QB class is far better than 2014. Mariota was my favourite last year before not declaring and now there will be a choice from Mariota, Winston, Petty and Hundley – with a lot of teams satisfying their QB needs this year, we could have a pretty good shot at landing one of these. I would be delighted with any of them.
3) If we don’t draft any of the above, it means that Glennon or McCown have had a great season and are regarded as better at the position, which can only be a good thing for the team and proved any haters/doubters (such as me) wrong.
Still not recovered from the Charles Sims selection though. As good as he may be, we were perfectly fine. I wouldn’t have even taken an Adrian Peterson level prospect. Really hope he does well and it gets justified though.
May 11th, 2014 at 8:43 am
@buc87
Think of the Sims selection this way….he will replace Brian Leonard as our 3rd down back (at least)…..our coaches didn’t believe Rainey, James, or Demps had the skills to do that.
So….in essence..he will get a lot of touches.
May 11th, 2014 at 8:47 am
@Buc87 I mean, what is so hard to understand about Sims? Just because it is not a position of need, the Bucs have two RBs coming back from injury and none have the body type and skills that Sims brings to the table. He will be the 1b to Martin’s 1a on the depth chart that is characteristic of Tedford’s offense. Just my opinion, but he was one of my favorite players coming out this year and I think Bucs fans are gonna feel silly after seeing what he will do this year.
Call me a homer, the Bucs get an A+. Praying all of Lichts drafts are similar to this in the future.
May 11th, 2014 at 8:51 am
Are you kidding me? Sims is a freakin beast! Speed and size, he’s like a poor mans Chris Johnson.he can only help what was the leagues worst offense. And look at it also that our RBs are all coming off injuries, so he much needed insurance at the position as well.
May 11th, 2014 at 8:53 am
@Tampabaybucfan I hope so. Not heard a bad thing said about him to be fair. I think my problem is with L&Ls BPA vs Need. They seemed to go with Need in Round 1, then BPA regardless of need in later rounds. They could have selected a Johnny or another QB, then addressed the WR need Round 2 instead. It’s over now though, really excited to see the triple towers on offense next season.
Call me optimistic but I’m tipping us for the NFC South next year. Probably one more draft year away from a good play-off run though.
#inL&Lwetrust
May 11th, 2014 at 9:05 am
Lovie is a man of his word. Said he would bring 4 QBs to camp. Also said 2 would make the roster. May the best men win!
May 11th, 2014 at 9:08 am
Next time I will “read more” before I comment. lol
Always a great idea. –Joe
May 11th, 2014 at 9:20 am
I’m sure Lovie reserves the right to change his mind….If circumstances warrant….I think he would keep 3QBs…..
May 11th, 2014 at 9:22 am
He’d have to make a pretty big impression on the coaches for them to keep him around but entirely possible.
May 11th, 2014 at 9:26 am
@ Couch
Stranger things have happened…..Glennon could be a very valuable player if another team lost their starter before or early in the season….of course the same could be said for us if McCown is injured.
In that case (If Smith impresses) a third QB would be a good thing.
May 11th, 2014 at 9:26 am
Trubucfan22 Said:
“And look at it also that our RBs are all coming off injuries, so he much needed insurance at the position as well.”
And maybe someone isn’t progressing from said injury so well. Hope that isn’t the case though. I like Sims. He’ll get his share of touches.
May 11th, 2014 at 9:40 am
Tampabaybucfan Says:
May 11th, 2014 at 8:07 am
SI.COM
“Smith warrants a top 50 pick, but could end up going in the first round due to the amount of needs NFL teams have.”
Could this be the QB that Tedford was talking about…..one with “francise” potential that wasn’t apparent?
Under the circumstances….it is possible that if Smith really performs well that Lovie would keep 3 QBs….
This looks a lot like a set-up….drafting Herron & then bringing in Smith. After all, Marcus Arroyo was his OC & QB coach in 2009-10.
————————–
Actually, Smith never received any in-game coaching from Arroyo. Smith arrived at Wyoming early (he graduated early and showed up for spring practice). Arroyo left for UCLA (was it?) shortly after Smith arrived… he did, however, recruit Smith to Wyoming… something Smith had mentioned in a few interviews in the past.
I’ve been banging the Brett Smith drum for a while. I love him as a developmental prospect. Even in today’s NFL, he has rare athleticism for the position, big 10″ hands, and is only 21 years old (3 years out of high school). The arrow is pointing way up on this one.
May 11th, 2014 at 9:47 am
In a way I’m glad Lovie and Licht drafted the RB. This tells everyone to be at the top of their game at all times. I wonder if Martin dropped many passes in practice.
Connor Shaw is Manziel’s teammate…LOL
May 11th, 2014 at 9:58 am
Joe, do you think that Lovie &GM are listening to his Offense crew when they drafted/signed these troops?
Could Lovie have learned a lesson from his time with Chicago and get a good OC and let him form a team under your direction?
Sure looks like it to me, but we will only know when the whistle blows.
Be sure to call your Mom
May 11th, 2014 at 10:09 am
Martin has a record now….of going googly eyed after hit to the head….think about NFL/Medical mandatory sitting out 1-2-3 games….followed by ever increasing scrutiny
May 11th, 2014 at 10:12 am
I can’t recall ever seeing Martin going Googly eye’d.
May 11th, 2014 at 10:15 am
You people that keep bashing Glennon for his “crunch time” performance are completely misguided. Think if this, what did L&L do first when they came to Tampa. They gutted the OLine. Why? Because it sucked out loud and needed to be overhauled. Now, what happens in “crunch time” when your team is behind and you need points in a hurry? You have to throw the ball and everyone knows it. This puts enormous pressure on your line which was a horrible situation to be in if you were Mike Glennon.
I am not a Glennon Mob member but I thought he played well last year given the circumstances and would like to see what he can do with more weapons and a working OLine.
May 11th, 2014 at 10:16 am
Every season, I do a breakdown of all UDFA’s on a site and later post it on here. It’s a completely thankless job (and I even got accused of plagiarism due to the depth I went into-I guess I should’ve taken that as a compliment):
I’m not going to go as in depth as usual. For now, I will go in depth with a few players I see as having the talent to make an impact.
QB Brett Smith Wyoming, 6016 (six foot one inch and 3/4), 205. 4.51 40, 225-18 reps, VJ 31″, BJ 10’08”, 3C 6.98.
10 full game tapes
http://draftbreakdown.com/players/brett-smith/
pro day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkgUn0wTvwk
highlights only
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vetTlu5FpFo
He has some seasoning to do…but has the making of a special player. Kurt Warner, Jeff Garcia, Tony Romo, Warren Moon, Dave Krieg, and Jim Hart weren’t drafted either and all had stellar careers. There were many other QBs taken AFTER round 7 that had outstanding careers too (Brad Johnson won a Super Bowl with us).
WR Solomon Patton, Florida, 5083 179 4.38 40, 225-16X, VJ 33″, BJ 10’00, 3C 7.02
This guy bring speed and return ability. Cut from the same cloth as Herron, but he spent more time returning. Also, possesses good hands and toughness.
WR Aaron Burks, Boise St., 6027 207 4.48 40, 225-12X, VJ 40.5″, BJ 10’9″, 3C 7.09
I know virtually nothing about him, but his triangle numbers are impressive and if he’s willing, he could be a standout on special teams.
OT Matt Patchan, Boston College 6062 302, 4.94 40 (at Combine), 225-22X, VJ 33.5″, BJ 9’05”, 3C 7.45.
All ACC (2nd team). Overcame a serious of serious injuries early in his career. If he checks out medically, he has outstanding athleticism for the position. Is not known as a power player, OG is not likely in his future, and may have trouble on the right side.
LB Nate Askew, Texas A+M, 6033 241 4.46 40, 225-18X, VJ 38″, BJ 10’06”, 3C 7.13
Those workout numbers are for real. Askew, however, played WR for the Aggies his first 3 years before switching over to play defense his senior year. Only started a handful of games, but still managed 3 INTs this past season (and at least one score). He has the freakish athletic ability Lovie’s scheme covets, but next to no experience. At the very least he looks like a possible core special teamer while he develops as a LB.
S/LB Mycal Swaim Eastern Michigan, 6032 214 4.49 40, 225-15X, VJ 39″, BJ 10’11”, 3C 6.97.
Again, a workout warrior, never seen him play. But he could be a position switcher in the pros. His triangle numbers are very impressive.. and on a side note, his 6’3 214 lbs are the exact same listed numbers as old #47’s were. Just saying…
DT Euclid Cummings, Georgia Tech, 603 291 4.79 40 (impressive!) 225-24X, VJ 28.5″, BJ 8’06”, 3C 7.76.
Speed is excellent, that’s what got him here. His other numbers are very ordinary. Still, a one-gap penetrator’s greatest quality has to be his speed, and Cummings has plenty.
May 11th, 2014 at 10:35 am
Great explanation joe. I love reading the various post about how any of these guys are a legitimate threat to make the bucs never mind beating out a first or second string player. It is rare when a udfa make a significant contribution to the NFL. That is why it is a huge story. Example, yesterday they gave out notible sixth round picks. There were 7 total since 1996.
May 11th, 2014 at 10:56 am
Just wondering, as far as all the Lovie/offense/Chicago discussions and theories go, does anyone remember him coaching the St. Louis Rams? Hello, he’s been around good offenses before.
May 11th, 2014 at 10:56 am
Seriously. How the hell is anyone going to stop us now?!? I see a deep playoff run this year & maybe even a Championship. Yes, we are that stacked right now.
May 11th, 2014 at 10:57 am
This kid Smith has Game and Wheels! It’s a long shot but I think he will compete for a spot!
May 11th, 2014 at 11:00 am
We could have added some d-line depth by bringing Jackson Jeffcoat but its to late now that the Seahawks have grabbed him. If we want to mimic the Sea-chickens then we need to pick some extra D help.
May 11th, 2014 at 11:06 am
Sims has incredible hands and great speed. I see him catching a lot of quick passes and converting key 3rd downs. Love Dougie but he can’t catch like this guy.
May 11th, 2014 at 11:10 am
Wouldnt mind bringing in either florida corner(Roberson or Purifoy) for a look. Both had mid round grades, but slid due to a poor combine.
May 11th, 2014 at 11:17 am
Love Brett smith. This guy was vastly underrated and I had a higher grade on him than Manziel. 5th overall qb prospect IMO. He’ll light it up and make lovie consider keeping 3 qbs
May 11th, 2014 at 11:18 am
Rolling my eyes. Another 87? Why do people like my number so much? Go find another name.
May 11th, 2014 at 11:20 am
Connor Shaw got lost on his way to Tampa.
May 11th, 2014 at 11:22 am
Lovie has shown me that trust is paramount. I believe the real reason McCown was brought in wasn’t a slight on Glennon as much as it was Lovie knowing what to expect out of McCown and putting his trust in him vs a guy like Glennon who put up some good stuff (and bad) on tape but was an unknown to Lovie. He and Tedford spent some time with him after minicamp and walked away impressed. Lovie probably trusts Arroyo and therefore was willing to spend a late round pick on WR and a UDFA signing on a 4th QB. Hope Smith is as good as some think and Lovie carries 3 QB’s
May 11th, 2014 at 11:25 am
OT Matt Patchan UDFA signing – HUGE! Tremendous combine – dominated in three offenses in college. Can play guard as well. He’s better then either of the Bucs 5th round OL selections. Hometown boy! Would be shocked if he doesn’t make the final 53.
May 11th, 2014 at 11:25 am
First we had the Freemanites….
Then we had the Mike Glennon Mob…
So is it Brett Smith Posse time?
May 11th, 2014 at 11:28 am
Still hoping the O-line gets some more help. McCown is older, and Glennon is a pocket passer…reality is Glennon or McCown will duke it out in camp for the QB1 slot. Brett Smith sounds intriguing, but again the reality is he’ll probably end up on the practice squad this year. I am very pleased with the draft and the UDFA signings, not a lot of picks but they addresses the most glaring needs as best as possible
May 11th, 2014 at 11:29 am
The triple towers sounds weird to me. I’m gonna start calling our offense the “Tampa Skyline”! At least until they force me to nickname them something different. What do ya think Joe? Maybe you can help this nickname gain momentum if you guys like it. I tried to get “Dig Doug” going for Doug Martin 2 years ago when he was trying to shake the muscle hamster thing. I thought it fit well. Just like the video game, he fights his way through the layers while avoiding his adversaries, to make his way to the light of the endzone.
May 11th, 2014 at 11:31 am
Honestly I know nothing about Brett Smith other than what Joe and a few others have posted, so I’m not ready to leave my post in the MGM over an UDFA QB. I am willing to give the kid a shot and keep an open mind about him.
May 11th, 2014 at 11:50 am
smith my surprise people. no one watches wyoming hell no one lives in wyoming it has the lowest population out of all states. they just cable a few years ago… I am joking obviously, but Smith may or may not work out be his athletic ability and upside is far superior to what’s on the roster now. I hope he works out but only time will tell.
bucrightoff,
We never agree but I do like your “Smith Posse” tagline.
May 11th, 2014 at 11:50 am
Chris Landry said that saying Glennon is the QB of the future is the same kind of thing as what they said to Revis and Penn (meaning, until we can find someone who can replace you). They may have just done that with Brett Smith, although it remains to be seen. SBNation.com had him as their 8th ranked QB, saying this about him:
“For those looking for a lesser version of Manziel at a cheaper price, Brett Smith could be that guy. Like Manziel, Smith is a tremendous athlete with the ability to keep plays alive with his legs. He also has a strong arm and is willing to take chances down the field. Smith just needs to harness some of that aggressiveness and be a bit smarter with the football. Overall, he’s a high-upside quarterback who could develop into a starter if he irons out some of his flaws.”
At a quarter inch under 6′ 2, and a 4.51 40 time, Brett Smith definitely fits what Lovie himself said about wanting more athleticism and speed at every position, INCLUDING QUARTERBACK. He’s just a rookie and will need time to develop, but I definitely believe that given the chance, he fits what Lovie and Tedford are looking for and could become the QB of the future.
Brett Smith highlights (a lot of them to Robert Herron), this guy can flat out FLY, and doesn’t take big hits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veTlu5FpFo
Oh, and anybody who wants to knock Brett Smith because he’s an UDFA, there are plenty of examples of players who slip through the cracks and end up becoming Pro-Bowlers. Tony Romo, Kurt Warner, Jeff Garcia and Warren Moon were all UDFA QBs.
May 11th, 2014 at 12:01 pm
I’m really disappointed in this bunch. We took a WR who’s a mirror image of what we already have; a WR with various issues both on- and off-the-field; and a RB who may be good, but who doesn’t really fill a primary need. Best grade I can give is a C or, in a stretch, a C+.
May 11th, 2014 at 12:12 pm
I too don’t know a ton about the QB Smith. From the few highlights I have seen it appears he didn’t have much of an Oline in college and still made a lot of plays. Without question in my mind he is worth a look, at least.
May 11th, 2014 at 1:01 pm
the smithereens
May 11th, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Warren Moon
Kurt Warner
Jake Delhomme
Tony Romo
Jeff Garcia
All of those went undrafted. All were franchise quarterbacks. Their level of success is debatable, but they were franchise QBs.
May 11th, 2014 at 1:47 pm
@BuccoBill
Name is similar to what I called them in a previous post. Can already see the publicity stills!
May 11th, 2014 at 1:55 pm
I just love how you guys are writing off one of the best RBs in the league.
Sims will be more of a pass catcher. Wait and see.
And the WR the Bucs drafted late? A kick returner to compete against page because Demps is not doing as well as expected.
May 11th, 2014 at 2:11 pm
After watching some video on Brett Smith he is certainly athletic with a ton of speed but his mechanics need a lot of work which is probably why he wasn’t drafted. He is a developmental project at this point but one certainly with potential, he’ll be fun to watch.
May 11th, 2014 at 4:42 pm
@ Bonzai Did you see where I listed four of those UDFA QBs (sans Delhomme) four posts before yours? Also, you should check the link for Smith’s highlights, with quite a few to Herron. You’ll see Herron will be more than a kick returner. He’ll also be a slot receiver.
May 11th, 2014 at 7:50 pm
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
May 11th, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Warren Moon
Kurt Warner
Jake Delhomme
Tony Romo
Jeff Garcia
All of those went undrafted. All were franchise quarterbacks. Their level of success is debatable, but they were franchise QBs.
—————————–
I had the same list on a previous page, sans Delhomme, plus David Krieg and Jim Hart (19 seasons as a pro). I begrudgingly would include Delhomme I guess based solely on the merits of getting his team to a Super Bowl and signing a huge franchise QB contract.
May 12th, 2014 at 7:42 am
Joe, please pen a yarn about Johnny F.
May 12th, 2014 at 12:56 pm
I have to believe that Lovie Knows what he is doing. He has done a good job so far. There where a couple of things he has done that am not sure of but for the most part job well done. I just hope it works as well on the field as it doe’s right know.
GO BUCCANEERS