2025 may serve as a make-or-break year for third-year cornerback Cam Smith.
Since the Miami Dolphins took Smith with a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, he has fallen short of the team's expectations. Smith appeared in 15 games during his rookie season, but his role was largely reserved for playing on special teams. He was limited to just six contests the next year due to injury.
Despite his lack of production, Smith remains one of the most experienced members of the Dolphins' cornerback room. A potential trade involving All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey could also provide an opportunity for him and others to earn more playing time.
When asked if he was confident in his ability to start for the Dolphins this season, Smith offered reporters a two-word response: "Yes, sir."
Miami Dolphins cornerback Cam Smith (24) grimaces during the fourth quarter of a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, August 11, 2023, in Miami Gardens, FL.
Miami Dolphins cornerback Cam Smith (24) grimaces during the fourth quarter of a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, August 11, 2023, in Miami Gardens, FL.
JEFF ROMANCE/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK
"Just going through these last two years and seeing all of the ups and downs that come with the season, and just having my foot in the door last year, gave me a lot more leeway to see all of that," Smith added.
Across his 21 NFL games, he has recorded 18 tackles, 14 of which were solo stops. He is entering the third year of a four-year, $7.03 million rookie deal he signed after being drafted.
Smith played four years of college football at South Carolina prior to being elevated to the professional ranks. He played 33 games (including 19 starts) in the Gamecocks' secondary, where he accumulated 91 tackles, 18 pass breakups, six interceptions, and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Smith's strongest college season came in 2021, when he was named to the All-SEC Second Team and an All-American Honorable Mention by Pro Football Focus. That year, he allowed just 15 catches to opposing receivers on 32 targets and finished ninth in the country in passes defended per game (1.3).