Cleveland Browns: 5 AAF players who should be invited to Training Camp

Derron Smith, S, San Antonio Commanders

Go ahead and click the link of Derron Smith and you’ll see him the familiar Browns uniform. That’s right, the AAF’s best safety once played for the Cleveland Browns. He was cut Sept. 2, just days before the start of the regular season.

Smith’s used the AAF to get back on scouting radars. He’s posted a coverage grade of 93.2 entering March 15, which is about 15 points higher than the next ranked safety. remains nearly 15 points higher than the next safety, while Smith also boasts the fifth-best run-defense grade (75.2) at the position.

The Browns really need a strong safety, which isn’t what Smith’s been playing in the AAF. He’s been making his mark as free safety.  However, you’ve got to like his numbers against the run. I’m not suggesting Smith will go from being cut into the starting lineup in the span of one season, but he could add some help on the depth chart.

Currently, Tigie Sankoh would backup Damarious Randall, while Jermaine Whitehead could backup Derrick Kindred at strong safety.  Clearly, the Browns have work to do and it won’t be surprising to see Dorsey address this position via free agency or the draft.

It couldn’t hurt to bring Smith back to camp under a new set of defensive coaches to make sure the Browns didn’t miss anything, though.

Smith was a sixth-round pick of the Bengals in 2015 and he’s appeared in 38 games, having started none. He jumped onto the Browns in 2017 and played seven games.