Packers Show Interest in Supplemental Draft Prospect

The Packers reportedly offered former South Alabama cornerback Damond Smith a tryout to their rookie orientation camp, even though he wasn't eligibile at the time.

The NFL's Supplemental Draft is one week away, scheduled to be held on Thursday July 11, and the Green Bay Packers have a history with at least one player supposedly eligible for the event.

If you're to believe former Philadelphia Eagles scout John Middlekauff, who leaked the information on Twitter (hat tip: SB Nation), former South Alabama cornerback Damond Smith has been granted qualification for the NFL's annual event for players who slip through the cracks.

The Packers invited Smith to their post-draft rookie orientation camp on a tryout basis, according to Bill Huber of Packer Report. There appears to have been some confusion at the time, as Middlekauff said he was "not eligible."

Like most Supplemental Draft prospects, Smith's background isn't without blemish.

In an interview with BeyondSportsNetwork.com, Smith detailed his college career, beginning his freshman season at FBS-level Western Michigan without incident. Then during his sophomore year, he allegedly left the team during the middle of the season following an "on-field scuffle with a teammate."

Smith then transferred to FCS-level South Alabama where he played the first four games of the 2011 season before being suspended for failing a drug test. He hasn't played since.

Next on the docket for Smith is a pro day workout taking place two days before the Supplemental Draft.

The Packers have not selected a player in the supplemental draft since 1998 when they took eventual Pro Bowl offensive lineman Mike Wahle out of Navy in 1998.

If the Packers (or any other team) were to select Smith in next week's Supplemental Draft, they would have to forfeit a pick in the corresponding round of next April's NFL Draft.

Seeing as the Packers only reportedly offered Smith a tryout back in April for their rookie orientation camp, it doesn't appear they'd invest a draft choice into Smith.

If Smith were to go undrafted, however, the Packers could sign him to a contract as a free agent. After cutting linebacker Desmond Bishop in June, Green Bay does have one spot open on their offseason 90-man roster.

Smith is 5-11 and ran a 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds in a pre-draft workout, per Middlekauff. The Packers currently have nine cornerbacks under contract.

In his interview with BeyondSportsNetwork.com, Smith said the following:

“We all make mistakes. I'm owning up to them and accepting full responsibility for when I was immature and younger. I'm ready to move on with the life the Lord has for me and I can be an asset to any and every NFL team. I can play press, off, and help in the run game. I'm a leader. I was a captain at South Alabama. I'm just ready to play. I won't let you down and I will make you proud,” said Smith.

UNLV defensive end James Boyd and Central Florida defensive end Toby Jackson are also reportedly eligible for the Supplemental Draft.

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Comments (5)

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redlights's picture

July 04, 2013 at 02:25 pm

You never know what you get. As for the other two, remember if they're not 6-5; 300+ they're worthless ;)

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Jon's picture

July 04, 2013 at 08:58 pm

I loved the kids quote though.

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Lucky953's picture

July 06, 2013 at 12:29 am

With that speed and evident talent, I understand why the packers wanted to try him out. With the big character ?s, good chance he goes undrafted. He'll probably go with a warm weather team tho.

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Al Fresco's picture

July 06, 2013 at 08:26 am

My concern, he didn't play much football to prove anything. Half a season and 4 games into a second season does not make for a wow resume, regardless of his speed. Besides its getting to be all the DB's in the draft, save a few, are in the 4.4 to 4.6 range these days so his speed isn't really that impressive.

I don't see TT going after him like we never really went after many of the FA's either, it was just on paper.

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Morgan Mundane's picture

July 06, 2013 at 08:31 am

Wonder who wrote the quote for him? Funny they all find God when they need to. How is leaving college and going pro accepting responsibility? I'm missing something. Staying in college and turning it around is accepting responsibility.

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