Michael

Smith

Stuck behind Robert Turbin at Utah State, Smith is one of Greg Cosell and Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris’ favorite sleepers. Unafraid to play between the tackles, Smith possesses breakaway speed, and has potential in the passing game. He’s a liability in pass protection, however, which could limit his snaps as a rookie. Nevertheless, Smith has a strong chance of making the Bucs as their third back.

Smith was one of Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris’ favorite backs in the draft. “Every time (GM) Mark (Dominik) and I watched tape, (Smith) would jump off the tape at you, just a different kind of speed than everybody else on the field,” said Schiano. "... Speed wins. This guy brings quite a bit of that.” Smith ran a 4.33 at his Pro Day at 5'9/206. He shouldn’t struggle to win the Bucs’ No. 3 back job behind Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount.

A potential diamond in the rough, Smith would have been a higher pick had he not spent his senior season rotating with 2011 WAC Offensive Player of the Year Robert Turbin. Smith can fly (4.33), shows no fear inside the tackles, and doesn’t possess subpar size (5'9/207). Smith could surprise and push LeGarrette Blount hard for the No. 2 back job behind Doug Martin. GM Mark Dominik revealed after the draft that an undisclosed team offered Tampa a 2013 sixth-round pick for Smith’s rights. The Bucs liked Smith’s tape too much to part ways so quickly.

The coaching staff knew all about Smith’s 4.33 forty jets, but they’ve been pleasantly surprised with his power. A deep Dynasty league stash, Smith has a chance to open the season third on the depth chart at tailback.

The blazing rookie out of Utah State averaged an eye-popping 31.7 yards on 10 preseason returns. Sammie Stroughter is listed ahead of Preston Parker as the No. 1 punt returner. Neither Smith nor Stroughter does enough on offense to warrant a draft selection in return-yardage leagues.

A deep sleeper like Daryl Richardson in St. Louis, Smith possesses blinding 4.33 jets and runs physically for a 5-foot-9, sub-210-pound alleged scatback. Beat writer Stephen Holder believes the Bucs “may be onto something with Smith,” who is “very willing to take on tacklers and run through them if necessary.”

Smith has decent size at 5'9/209 and ran a 4.33 at the Combine. If he didn’t play behind Robert Turbin at Utah State, he likely would have come off the board before the seventh round. Smith needs to prove himself in pass protection, but is a good bet to stick as the Bucs’ No. 3 back. He’ll have a shot at early-down work if Doug Martin or LeGarrette Blount goes down.

The Bucs are one of the NFL’s healthiest teams coming off their 10-day layoff following last Thursday night’s impressive win over the Vikings.

Smith is a healthy scratch once again as the Bucs appear to be warming slightly to LeGarrette Blount. The rest of the Bucs’ inactives: CB Myron Lewis, CB Anthony Gaitor, DB Keith Tandy, LB Najee Goode, OT Jeremy Trueblood and WR Chris Owusu.

Arrelious Benn has replaced Smith as the primary kickoff returner, and may add slot receiver duties to his plate following Sammie Stroughter’s season-ending foot injury.