Today it was reported by ESPN NFL insider John Clayton that CB Alphonso Smith, the second-round draft pick from Wake Forest, was signed. Also, Darcel McBath, David Bruton, and Tom Brandstater penned deals, leaving Knowshon Moreno and Robert Ayers as the only two of Denver’s 10 picks unsigned.

Smith, who was projected by many to go in the first round, slipped to 37th to the Broncos. Smith showed he has great ball-hawking skills, collecting 21 interceptions in his time at Wake, making him the all time ACC leader in picks. He was also an all ACC selection in both 2007 and 2008.

Some say Smith, at 5’9″ and 190 pounds is too small to start in the NFL, but Smith has also been said to be a good tackler, and runstopper when needed. If not this year, since it seems Andre Goodman will start opposite Champ Bailey, then possibly in 2010 or ’11.

But that isn’t to say Smith won’t see playing time, as he was also a great returner in college, and looks to be the No. 1 returner on the team at this point.

Smith wasn’t the only bolstering done to the secondary on Sunday either, as McBath and Bruton are both free safeties.

McBath, who went in the second round as well, could eventually be a starter one day too. He averaged over 70 tackles a season from 2006-08, and was also all Big 12 his sophomore and junior seasons, while playing for Texas Tech. 

Bruton has a slimmer chance to one day start, but at 6’2″ 220 pounds, and with ability that led to 91 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles, he will be a great special teams player at the very least.

Overall, as the secondary has seen a complete overhaul this year, and with an aging Champ, it’s a welcome sight to see all this young talent walk into Dove Valley for Monday’s first day Rookies are required to be in camp.

Now, as far as his size and potential, we will see if Smith can be more like ex-Broncos youngsters Dominique Foxworth or Darrent Williams. Both were 5’9″, but Williams was far superior as a player, until his untimely death in 2007. Foxworth is still a solid corner, and a starter currently, but lacks the flash and athletic ability of an explosive corner.

Not to mention, Williams was special as a returner, as Smith hopes to be as well.

If I had to call it now, I would say Smith will end up reminding many Broncos fans of Williams with his flashy, athletic play.

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