Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith is continuing to bounce around on defense during his time in training camp in Napa.
During Thursday’s practice, Smith was seen lining up at outside cornerback as well as at hybrid linebacker in sub-packages, according to Las Vegas Review Journal’s Michael Gehlken.
Sean Smith reclaims his practice spot at first-team outside CB. In sub-package, sliding inside as dime backer. Raiders have shuffled DBs.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 10, 2017
The former Utes’ move to the outside comes after defending tight ends throughout the entirety of Wednesday’s practice on the first, second and third teams. That practice left many perplexed given that the Raiders are paying Smith $9.5 million this season.
The New England Patriots are also the team to beat in both the AFC and NFL, respectively. And for the Raiders to get by New England, they will likely need Smith to both play on the outside as well as assist in covering tight ends like Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.
The decision to move Smith around should be looked at as a smart football move from a team looking to get to the next level, not something to fret over.
