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JUST IN: #Broncos waive DE Quanterus Smith, per NFL source: My blog post: http://t.co/cRqNqqwBev
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 28, 2015
The Broncos later announced the move Tuesday.
Smith was a former fifth round pick who had quite a productive collegiate career rushing the passer. His highlight game was a 3-sack jaunt against National Champion Alabama. Early on in his senior season, Smith tore his ACL. The Broncos decided he was not healed enough at the end of the 2013 preseason and placed him on injured reserve.
Smith won a role in the rotation and played in 15 games in 2014. He recorded 15 tackles but was shut down again as the playoffs came around. In the end, nagging injuries are what ended Quanterus' tenure in Denver.
At 6'5" and 255 lbs, Smith projected to be an OLB in Wade Phillip's 3-4 defense. As it stands, after Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, you have a pool of Kenny Anunike (6-4, 260), Shaq Barrett (6-1, 260), Danny Mason (6-3, 235), Lerentee McCray (6-3, 249), Gerald Rivers (6-5, 258), and Chase Vaughn (6-1, 242).
Lots of inexperienced, unproven talent.
Look for pass rusher to be a priority when the draft finally roles around on Thursday.