Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year defensive back Keidron Smith, No. 43.
During the offseason, teammates can share jersey numbers if they play on opposite sides of the ball. This summer, Smith will share No. 43 with running back Blake Watson.
Before the Broncos: Smith (6-2, 210 pounds) spent four years at Ole Miss, totaling 216 tackles, 21 pass breakups, five interceptions, five forced fumbles and one sack in 47 games with the Rebels. Smith then transferred to Kentucky and recorded 46 tackles, five pass breakups, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 13 games. Coaches named him a second-team All-SEC defensive back following his final season in 2022.
Smith went undrafted last spring and signed with the Miami Dolphins. He later spent time on the practice squad of the Washington Commanders before being cut in October. Two months later, Smith committed to play in the XFL, but he got another opportunity in the NFL before officially joining the spring league.
Broncos tenure: Denver signed Smith to its practice squad last December. He is yet to appear in a regular season game in the NFL. It remains to be seen if the Broncos plan to use him as a cornerback or safety.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Long shot. Smith will face an uphill make to make the active roster this summer. Perhaps a candidate to serve as a backup nickelback, Smith’s best chance to stick around in 2024 will likely be on the practice squad.
