Rookie DB Keidron Smith Joins Broncos Practice Squad

Replacing one practice-squad defensive back with another, the Denver Broncos announced Tuesday that it has signed DB Keidron Smith and released safety Dallin Leavitt, who lasted less than a month in the Mile High City.

An undrafted rookie out of Kentucky, Smith spent time this past summer with the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins, notching two pass deflections and a solo tackle across three preseason appearances. He was waived by the Dolphins amid final cuts.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound defender — capable of playing cornerback or safety — was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2022, his lone season with the Wildcats in which he compiled 32 solo tackles, five pass deflections, one forced fumble, and a defensive touchdown. Smith played his first four collegiate years at Ole Miss, starting 29 games.

"Big, strong cornerback lacking top-end speed and an athletic lower half to stay connected with routes," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft scouting profile. "Smith plays with physicality as his default. He has the demeanor and skills necessary to clean up the flanks as a run defender. He's not anticipatory enough for deep zone coverages at cornerback, but he might have a fighting chance to make a roster if he is utilized as a bump-and-sink Cover 2 corner or if he makes a transition to safety."

Smith is the fourth DB to land on Denver's practice squad, joining Art Green, Reese Taylor, and Devon Key.