ENGLEWOOD — Keidron Smith creates luck where hard work meets opportunity.
Case in point: Two interceptions over two preseason games for the undrafted Broncos defensive back searching for his path to a 53-man NFL roster.
“It’s just understanding the defense and doing the job,” Smith told The Denver Gazette at Broncos Park. “Being in the right spot and the right time. But also making that play when the opportunity comes and excelling in that. That’s what I want to do.”
Against the Colts, outside linebacker Jonah Elliss pressured quarterback Sam Ehlinger and his floating pass dropped directly to Smith in coverage. Against the Packers, Smith jumped a seam route and picked off quarterback Sean Clifford.
Next up: The Broncos' preseason finale Sunday against the Cardinals at Empower Field.
Smith is among a handful of players on the roster bubble aiming to solidify their place with one more strong outing. The Broncos signed Smith to their practice squad last December and he’s grown to impress veteran teammates like Pat Surtain II. The All-Pro cornerback described Smith as “savvy” and “smart” primarily at safety in defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s system.
“He takes control back there of the back end. He reads his keys very well and it allows him to make plays,” Surtain said. “He’s always in the right position as well, too. The ball just happens to find him every time he gets on the field. Keidron (is) a great player for us and I’m excited for his future.”
Joseph added: “He’s a guy that’s played some corner, nickel and safety for us. He has the traits that we like. He gets to the ball, he has man-cover skills (and) he can blitz, he can tackle. That’s been impressive, watching him tackle and make calls. It’s his first time playing safety at a full-time appointment. ... He’s making plays.”
That strong endorsem*nt reflects Smith’s college experience. He played in 60 combined games across four seasons at Ole Miss and one graduate transfer year at Kentucky. Smith recorded at least one interception in each of the five seasons.
One pick stands out among the rest.
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Chris Collins, the co-defensive coordinator at Kentucky, was on staff in 2022 for Smith’s lone season in Lexington. The Wildcats beat Florida on the road in Week 2 after he returned a pick 65 yards for a touchdown. Collins said it happened because Smith “knew exactly what he was doing” to recognize the formation, change his assignment, and make his own luck happen.
“(Smith) didn’t come in as a starter here, as a transfer in his last season, and he earned and worked his way to a starting position, and then into an all-conference player (in the SEC),” Collins said. “He’s a good tackler. (He has) really good ball traits and works extremely hard at developing other avenues of his game. I think those reasons are why he’s continued to work and put himself into this position.”
That same mentality is beneficial in his NFL journey.
The Commanders and Dolphins cut Smith before he signed last December to the Broncos practice squad. He’s yet to appear in an NFL regular season game and is willing to play special teams to make it happen. The departure of veteran safeties Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, plus the injury absence of safety Brandon Jones (hamstring), has also created more opportunity in the Broncos secondary.
“It’s been a long training camp, mentally and physically, but just taking it day by day and understanding the defense. Building camaraderie within the secondary and as a team,” Smith said. “Let the cards fall where they fall. I go out here and put my max effort to my ability. I work hard and keep my head down. Be a guy that everybody likes. Whatever happens, happens, but that’s out of my control.”
Life on the roster’s edge is difficult for any NFL hopeful. Smith said phone calls with his family provide balance. Both of his parents, Alonzo and Deirdre, and his sister, Kaylon, all played college basketball. But then it’s all business for Smith when a Broncos practice or a game begins.
His focus shifts to a singular mission with each interception.
Touchdown.
“Of course,” Smith said. “There’s not too many times you can get in the end zone when you’re on defense. If I have that opportunity, I’m definitely trying to get in.”
