The Miami Dolphins made a major splash last year when they selected Texas A&M’s De’Von Achane, and they should be considering this selection to select his boyhood nemesis and former college colleague.
With five unrestricted free agents set to become available, the Dolphins will need to restock their wide receiver corps. With his versatility and ability to return kicks, Ainias Smith might be a viable pick in the later rounds of the draft.
At the scouting combine, Smith met with the Dolphins and spoke with Wes Welker, the wide receivers coach.
“I had watched him,when I was a little kid and just being able to sit down and talk to him in the interview was pretty crazy for sure,” Smith stated on Friday. “It was pretty crazy how he was saying that I kind of reminded him of him.
In his five years at Texas A&M, Smith caught 180 passes, including 53 for a career-high in 2023. That same year, he also set a college record with 795 receiving yards and averaged an outstanding 14.3 yards on 20 punt returns.
In 2020, as a sophomore, he amassed 293 rushing yards and 43 pass receptions, demonstrating his versatility in a range of NFL roles.
“A lot of teams been talking to me about playing receiver in the slot,” he stated. They genuinely want to know whether I’ll be able to play outside. I think this is a fantastic chance for me to just go ahead and demonstrate my abilities in that role. Additionally, many teams have expressed interest in me for return plays, punt returns, kick returns, and other similar roles. I can also play some running back, presumably on third downs or other similar situations. Furthermore, many teams have expressed a need for a return specialist.
I’ve been telling clubs that I admire Steve Smith’s style of play. Check out DeSean Jackson. The world’s Deebo Samuels right now. I definitely see of myself as someone who can play several positions, is very adaptable, and is skilled with the ball in their hands, like Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey.”
Leave a Reply