Detroit Lions Sign Free Agent DE Quanterus Smith

The Detroit Lions have signed former Denver Broncos defensive end Quanterus Smith to compete for a roster spot in training camp.

The Detroit Lions have added depth to their defensive end position with the addition of Quanterus Smith. Smith has an NFL pass rushing skill level, but has struggled to stay healthy over his brief professional career.

Viewed as a potential top 100 player in the 2013 draft, an ACL injury during his senior year at Western Kentucky dropped him down many draft boards. Eventually he would be drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 5th round, pick 146.

Smith’s missed his rookie year due to the recovery time needed from his ACL injury. While he did see the field in 2014, a failed physical (left knee) in April 2015 resulted in his release from Denver.

Signed to the New York Jets practice squad in October, only to be released a month later. The Jacksonville Jaguars quickly signed him to their practice squad where he finished off the year and was not resigned.

Sigmund Bloom wrote a thorough pre-draft write-up on Quanterus Smith for Bleacher Report, that I linked in the above tweet. Bloom highlights Smith’s Strengths and Weaknesses below:

"StrengthsSmith is the most advanced pass-rusher in this class. His use of hands and sequencing of pass-rush moves/tactics to set up his opponent over the course of a game is far beyond anything any other pass-rush prospect has exhibited. A quick first step, the lateral agility to change up or adjust mid-rush and the power to finish are all there. He rarely lets a quarterback in his sights escape, and when he finishes, the passer usually gets blown up.He is also a true two-way end with the sand in his pants to hold the point against the run and the awareness to diagnose and track plays both to and away from his part of the field. Smith’s motor runs hot, and he still makes plays when his initial attack is thwarted.WeaknessesSmith is not an elite athlete and might have benefited a bit from playing a lower level of competition, although he was on fire against national champion Alabama last year when he recorded 3.5 sacks.He’s not a quick-twitch speed-rusher and will have more trouble going outside against more athletically gifted NFL offensive tackles. Smith often plays too high off the snap and will need work on his pad level."

Next: Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster Prediction discussion

Quanterus Smith will add depth to the defensive line, likely lining up at right defensive end and competing will Brandon Copeland for snaps as Ziggy Ansah‘s backup. Smith has the pass rushing skill set to push for snaps and if he can stay healthy could end up in the Daryl Tapp role from last year.