TXBRONC
12-18-2009, 10:13 PM
http://www.denverpost.com/premium/broncos/ci_14022636
Spotlight: CB Alphonso Smith
By Lindsay H. Jones
The Denver Post
Posted: 12/18/2009 01:00:00 AM MST
Spotlight: Alphonso Smith
Position: Cornerback
Dimensions: 5-foot-9, 190 lbs.
Year: Rookie
The buzz: The Broncos made plenty of interesting moves in the 2009 draft, though none raised more eyebrows than when the team traded its own first-round pick in 2010 to Seattle to move up to draft Smith at the top of the second round, at No. 37 overall. Smith hasn't made an immediate impact on defense or special teams yet, and moved down the depth chart when the team signed veteran corner Ty Law in late October. But Smith has quietly been learning behind the veterans - his locker is between Brian Dawkins' and Champ Bailey's - and readying himself for when he has to play.
Looking ahead: Law will likely be questionable for Sunday's game against Oakland because of a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the first two practices of the week, meaning that Smith will likely see plenty of action against the Raiders. With Bailey on one side and André Goodman - who has played very well this season - on the other, it means Smith can expect plenty of work when he is in the game as the fifth defensive back. Broncos coaches are also hoping Smith develops as a punt and kick returner, which would help ease the burden on starting receiver Eddie Royal.
FYI: Smith set an Atlantic Coast Conference career record with 21 interceptions - breaking the previous record held by former Bronco Dré Bly. Smith is still looking for his first NFL interception.
- Lindsay H. Jones
Spotlight: CB Alphonso Smith
By Lindsay H. Jones
The Denver Post
Posted: 12/18/2009 01:00:00 AM MST
Spotlight: Alphonso Smith
Position: Cornerback
Dimensions: 5-foot-9, 190 lbs.
Year: Rookie
The buzz: The Broncos made plenty of interesting moves in the 2009 draft, though none raised more eyebrows than when the team traded its own first-round pick in 2010 to Seattle to move up to draft Smith at the top of the second round, at No. 37 overall. Smith hasn't made an immediate impact on defense or special teams yet, and moved down the depth chart when the team signed veteran corner Ty Law in late October. But Smith has quietly been learning behind the veterans - his locker is between Brian Dawkins' and Champ Bailey's - and readying himself for when he has to play.
Looking ahead: Law will likely be questionable for Sunday's game against Oakland because of a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the first two practices of the week, meaning that Smith will likely see plenty of action against the Raiders. With Bailey on one side and André Goodman - who has played very well this season - on the other, it means Smith can expect plenty of work when he is in the game as the fifth defensive back. Broncos coaches are also hoping Smith develops as a punt and kick returner, which would help ease the burden on starting receiver Eddie Royal.
FYI: Smith set an Atlantic Coast Conference career record with 21 interceptions - breaking the previous record held by former Bronco Dré Bly. Smith is still looking for his first NFL interception.
- Lindsay H. Jones