After the NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs added a roster of more than a dozen undrafted free agents (UDFAs) to round out their 90-man offseason lineup. Now, let’s assess their viability to remain with the team as the season approaches in September.

In this article, we’re highlighting Division II standout Melvin Smith Jr., a 5-foot-10, 185-pound cornerback hailing from Southern Arkansas. What caught the Chiefs' attention about him? Let's dive in!

Accomplishments

Melvin Smith Jr. has racked up impressive accolades during his college career. His high-performance level at Southern Arkansas positioned him as a leader on the field, helping his team achieve significant milestones. His prowess does not go unnoticed, showcasing his ability to stand out even against tough competition.

Athletic Testing

Smith excelled during the athletic testing phases, revealing his impressive agility and speed. His results demonstrate not just quick foot movement but also a strong base that allows him to maintain stability during intense plays. This physical condition makes him a formidable competitor on the field.

Strengths and Weaknesses

When examining the film from Division II games and the Senior Bowl, predicting a player’s performance can be quite challenging. Still, some talents are universally appreciated regardless of the level of play.

First and foremost, it’s evident that Smith possesses the speed necessary to compete effectively. His impressive predraft performance is reflected in his film, where he demonstrates the capability to defend against deep go routes efficiently. Smith excels at the line of scrimmage, seldom falling for fakes and remaining composed, showcasing his ability to stay in-phase with fast receivers.

In addition to his speed, Smith displays excellent ball skills. He appears physical at the catch point, though the wide receivers he faced were generally smaller opponents. It would be interesting to observe how he performs against larger, more physical "X" receivers. Nonetheless, his ability to track the ball down the field seems promising.

Smith has a knack for enticing opponents when playing zone coverage. He thrives in trap coverages, often breaking on passes with impeccable timing to either snag an interception or disrupt a throw with an aggressive tackle. His film showcases some enthusiastic hits. He’s remarkably explosive when charging downhill and possesses sharp instincts for timing his pursuit.

While I’m not sure about the specific alignments Smith utilized, his film demonstrates versatility. I view him primarily as an outside cornerback. Although he may be slightly undersized, I believe his skill set and strength can hold their own on the outside.

Even if he specializes as an outside cornerback, Smith's diverse skill set signifies a high level of adaptability. One must possess considerable football intelligence to succeed in roles such as safety, slot corner, and outside cornerback, all of which he showcased effectively on tape.

Moreover, Smith is a proficient tackler and run defender. He can tackle effectively in the A-gap, taking on running backs head-to-head. He shows no hesitance when engaging in tackles in open space, resembling a safety in build, complemented by the abilities of an outside cornerback.

How He Fits with the Chiefs

It’s evident why the Chiefs took an interest in Smith. His speed, physical coverage skills, and prowess in run defense align neatly with the traits they desire in their outside cornerbacks. If Smith can adapt to the pace of the NFL game, he stands a strong chance of making the roster or practice squad, given his skill set’s compatibility with the Chiefs’ standards.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to scouting cornerbacks, the Chiefs have demonstrated remarkable acumen. Under Spagnuolo’s leadership, the only notable misstep in the cornerback department was the experience with Mike Hughes. Even then, the trade involved minimal risk, making it hard to classify as a significant failure.

The Chiefs typically prioritize physical traits and skills, from which they mold their players. They value long, tough, and adaptable cornerbacks who can adeptly defend against downfield routes. Smith embodies these qualities. He will need to prove that he can rise to the challenge of competing at a higher level. Should he succeed, it’s easy to envision a future where Smith makes an impactful contribution to the team.

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As the season unfolds, keep an eye on Melvin Smith Jr. as he aims to carve a niche for himself within the Chiefs' roster. His unique combination of skills, physical attributes, and determination might just make him a standout player to watch. 🏆