Houston Texans Rumors: 5 AAF players to take a flier on
By T.A. Mock
Derron Smith, S, San Antonio Commanders
Derron Smith earned PFF’s “Player of the Year” for the AFF as he finished with the highest grade of all players in the league with a 93.1. The San Antonio Commanders safety was particularly stout in coverage with three interceptions and five pass breakups.
Smith is a former fifth-round pick by the Bengals in 2015 out of Fresno State. He’s only 27 years old, so it’s easy to see a team wanting to give him an opportunity, especially considering the production he had in the AAF.
The Houston Texans recently came into a reason to pursue depth at the safety position. Andre Hal surprisingly retired earlier this week so the team needs some help behind Justin Reid and the recently signed Tashaun Gipson. They could look to add through the draft or free agency but why not give Smith a shot to show what he’s got?
Smith has been a bona fide safety net for a relatively poor secondary. He had the highest coverage grade in the AAF this season. He’s also shown the ability to be a ball-hawking safety that can hang in a zone scheme or run with receivers.
He’s not particularly adept in run support but he has enough size, 5’11” and 200 lbs, to improve on angles and reading run schemes. Overall, Smith is a pretty good player who could be a valuable contributor for the Houston Texans as a third safety.