Packers work out WR Devin Smith

With one more game left in the 2018 season, the Green Bay Packers are looking to see how they can make their roster better in 2019. They have needs on both sides of the ball and this week they were looking to improve the wide receiver position. According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the Packers worked out former second-round pick Devin Smith. The Ohio State alum was a member of the New York Jets from 2015-2017. 

The Jets had high hopes for Smith who had a standout career with the Buckeyes. However, injuries have been an issue for the veteran wide receiver, tearing his ACL in 2015 as well before the 2017 season which led to him being released by the Jets. He has played in 14 career NFL games and has posted 10 receptions for 135 yards and one touchdown. 

During his time at Ohio State, Smith tallied 121 receptions for 2,503 yards and 30 touchdowns. His best season was in 2014 when he recorded 33 receptions for 931 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

Before Smith was drafted, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared him to DeSean Jackson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here’s a look at what Zierlein had to say about Smith. 

“Smith isn’t just combine-fast, he’s game-fast and he would have had more than 12 touchdown catches during the 2014 season if he didn’t have to slow down and wait on throws so often. Smith has the feet and hips to become much more than a deep-ball specialist and should be able to step right into a gunner spot on special teams. He still needs to learn his craft and improve his hands, but he has rare speed to score from anywhere on the field.”

Smith talked to Thomas George of SB Nation after he was cut by the Jets and he said he found out through Twitter and nobody from the organization called him. Since being released by the Jets, he’s been working to get back on the field. 

“I want all the fans out there who do care about me to keep doing that,” Smith said. “That helps push me every day. I appreciate it. They’re like family, people who aren’t giving up on me. They’ll help me come back stronger than ever. And for the Jets and all NFL teams, I’m still here. I’m busting my tail to get back. I’ll get my shot. I will be known.”

If the Packers liked what they saw from Smith he could sign with the team on a one-year deal. And it would make sense for the Packers to sign Smith because Randall Cobb could be playing his final game with the Packers on Sunday since he will be a free agent in March. 

“It’s not at the forefront of my thoughts,” Cobb said. “I would say right now I’m just taking it all in, just enjoying the moments like I always do. The crazy thing about this game is every time we take that field, it could be the last time that we play. I’ve never taken for granted. Every time I walk through the tunnel – even when I’m taking somebody on a tour like my family or friends – I cherish that moment. I always envision walking through that tunnel. I always do that. I always try to take in those moments because I know that they’re fleeting.”