The Seahawks added another piece to their vaunted defensive backfield on the third day of the 2015 NFL Draft when they selected Towson cornerback with their fifth round pick, a compensatory selection at 170 overall.
Smith is listed at 6-0 and 195 pounds. He started all 14 games as a senior, and was named First Team All-CAA. He had 85 tackles and nine passes defensed in 2014. He led the team in passes defensed in his last two years and finished with 34 for his career. He seems to be a natural fit add to the Seahawks secondary as a strong defender with length and a tenacity as a pass defender.
Here is the NFL.com scouting report on Smith: "Shows some closing speed. Good awareness in zone coverage, with length to challenge the catch. Will hit open-field receiver with some force. Hard worker. Brings competitive attitude to the field."
With the 170th pick the Seahawks choose Tye Smith from Towson.
Smith adds necessary depth to the Seahawks secondary and has the potential to fit in well. He certainly seems to be in the Legion of Boom mold, as he can mirror receivers downfield and make plays on the ball with good timing and awareness when the ball is in the air.
Byron Maxwell signed with the Falcons in the offseason, but the Seahawks moved quickly to replace him with former Eagle Cary Williams. Smith joins a deep group of cornerbacks that includes Tharold Simon, Marcus Burley and Will Blackmon. Learning from experienced corners such as Richard Sherman, Williams and Jeremy Lane is a definite positive for Smith. Being taken in and taught by such proven defenders can help Smith build on his promise to eventually become a key contributor to the Seahawks' CB corps.
