Is Opportunity All That’s Standing in Cam Smith’s Way?
Miami Dolphins cornerback Cam Smith (24) participates at training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex, Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Miami Gardens.
Miami Dolphins cornerback Cam Smith was a second-round draft pick in 2023, and he came to the NFL with high expectations as a rookie. Those hopes quickly turned into frustration for Smith and the coaching staff. He quickly found himself in the doghouse of then-defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and he was relegated to just special teams play.
Fast forward a couple of months, and Smith is entering his second year in the NFL. Now, as long as he gets the opportunity, all signs point towards a much bigger sophomore campaign. Anthony Weaver was hired back in February to take over for Fangio who left the team after one season, and Weaver’s coaching staff seems very happy with how Smith has looked this offseason.
Cam Smith spent his college days with the South Carolina Gamecocks, where he was a standout. He was primarily used at the corner and finished his four-year career with six interceptions and 18 pass breakups. As a rookie in Miami, the former second-team All-SEC player finished with only two total tackles on 20 defensive snaps.
After Fangio left to join the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith was clearly excited, posting an unlocking emoji on Twitter.
Heading into the NFL, there was plenty of talk about the talent he showed on the field, but there were some questions about some maturity issues, which may have been why he slipped to 51st overall. Xavien Howard was the anchor on the backend for the Dolphins for many years, but now he’s gone, and someone needs to step up.
Dolphins defensive backs coach Ryan Solwik knows there is a battle to be hard for the starting cornerback spot, and Smith has taken advantage of the spring to impress the coaches.
“Cam has been great so far. He has the energy to attack this season. I think that’s crucial,” Slowik said. “He’s been great. He’s attacking this as an independent opportunity as opposed to last year or anything. He’s living in the present. He’s ready for this to get rolling. And you see a smile and you see somebody that’s excited for this training camp.”
According to Solwik, Smith has done everything he can to learn the system and has a good understanding of it.
“He’s attended the meetings. He has an understanding of what we’re asking him to do,” Slowik said. “He’s asking questions… He’s attacking it. He’s approaching this for an opportunity for him to… go into it and take advantage of whatever they might be.”
If the big concern for scouts and Fangio was maturity, it has been cleaned up during the offseason. There was never a doubt about the young back’s talent, and heading into Year 2, the Dolphins’ entire defense is going to get a big boost because of it. So long as he gets that shot, that is.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel also has made it clear during the offseason he’s not concerned about what happened in Smith’s first year. It’s very good news for Smith’s chance at more playing time if his head coach is giving him a clean slate.
“Timelines are unique to each individual,” McDaniel said. “What I’m really pumped about is I know in Year 2 that the relationships that he’s holding within his position and the coaches and the way he’s attacking this offseason is that he’s not satisfied with that by any stretch and nor is the organization. So I’m excited for the competition and [his] development, because that’s really what I get into and what we’re all in this for.”
Smith is currently third on the depth chart at the left cornerback spot behind Kendall Fuller and Kader Kohou. But clearly, he is going to get a chance to win a starting job. The Dolphins’ offense continues to make the headlines, but this team’s ultimate upside probably comes down to how many stops the defense makes.
Far too often last season, the Dolphins’ defense let the team down, and the secondary was one of the many reasons why. If Smith can take the step forward and is given the opportunity, it’s basically like the team got that second-round pick in 2024 instead of 2023. If the Dolphins can just find an opportunity for Smith to shine, they won’t regret it.
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