Jason Garrett and the Dallas Cowboys focused heavily on defense in the 2012 NFL Draft, and that trend carried over to Dallas' undrafted free agent signings. Lionel Smith, a cornerback from Texas A&M, was among Dallas' 21 undrafted free agent signings, and he has one thing that can't be taught: speed.
Per Calvin Watkins:
The speedy cornerback -- clocked at 4.44 in the 40 -- can play both spots. During his college career, Smith stripped Cowboys sixth-round pick James Hanna after a reception and stopped Iowa State's James White at the goal line. The undrafted cornerback will have to make this team on special teams.
Watkins noted that Smith will have to make the team through special teams play, but that might be tough for Smith. In 13 games last year, Smith only handled three kickoff returns, for an average of 12.67 yards per return -- not exactly ideal from a return man.
Smith did have a good showing in 2009 on special teams as a sophomore, averaging 21.4 yards per kick return, and was second on his special teams unit with 10 tackles on kickoffs or punts.
Smith, who turns 25 in August, will have to showcase very, very good special teams skills in order to make the Cowboys this year, and frankly, it doesn't look likely. He, like Saalim Hakim, possesses a lot of speed, so if he can hone in his special teams skills, he may very well end up with a spot on the Cowboys roster.