With their only pick in the fifth round (No. 170 overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Seahawks tabbed cornerback Tye Smith out of Maryland's Towson University.
The 6-foot, 195-pound cover man joined the Seattle-area media for a conference call shortly after the selection was made. Here's three things to know about the newest member of Seattle's secondary:
1. He's Anxious To Learn From The 'Legion Of Boom'
Smith described himself as a physical and instinctive student of the game who prides himself on tackling just as much as covering - traits that should fit in nicely with the Seahawks' 'Legion of Boom' defensive backfield.
"I think this is the best team for me, as far as my style of play," said Smith, who noted he played at the outside cornerback position in college. "I feel like I have an aggressive style and I like the way they play as well, very aggressive."
Smith made it clear he's looking forward to soaking up as much as he can from the likes of All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman and All-Pro safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.
"You couldn't ask for better guys to learn from," he said. "To come in and just soak up everything they know and learn from them about how to be a pro in the NFL."
As a fifth-round pick, Smith joins a long-line of Seahawks cornerbacks selected in the later rounds of the draft by general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll. Sherman (Round 5, 2011), Byron Maxwell (Round 6, 2011), Walter Thurmond (Round 4, 2010), and Jeremy Lane (Round 6, 2012) all went on to earn starting snaps for the Seahawks.
"That's very encouraging," said Smith.
2. His Only Offer Came From Towson University
Smith played wide receiver at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, N.C. He called himself a "late-bloomer" and didn't transition to corner until his time at Towson, the only school to offer him an athletic scholarship.
"It means a lot," Smith said of his small-school jump to the NFL. "I feel that going through this experience, all it takes is one team to believe in you and for me to come in and remain humble and keep working hard and learn from the best. The sky's the limit if I do that."
3. He Couldn't Ask For A Better Birthday Present
Coincidentally enough, Smith shares a birthday with another player Seattle took on the draft's third day.
Offensive lineman Mark Glowinski, who the club picked up in the fourth round (No. 134 overall), will celebrate his 23rd birthday on Sunday. Smith will celebrate his 22nd.
"It's exciting," said Smith. "It's my birthday tomorrow, so I couldn't ask for a better birthday present."
