Rookie cornerback Avery Smith is already making waves in Seattle after his recent trade from the Los Angeles Chargers. The former Toledo standout met with reporters on Thursday, where he expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Seattle Seahawks and acknowledged the high expectations that come with playing defense for the franchise.
Smith's trade to the Seahawks, which occurred on August 30, involved Seattle sending a sixth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to Los Angeles. The undrafted rookie described the trade as a surprise but emphasized his excitement about the opportunity. "Surprising. Can’t be mad at that; I am glad and excited to be a Seahawk," Smith said, indicating his eagerness to learn the playbook and contribute to the team.
During his introductory remarks, Smith referenced the Seahawks' rich defensive history, stating, "Legendary defenses are built in Seattle. LOB and now you got the MOB." The mention of the 'Legion of Boom' (LOB) highlights the franchise's past success, while the 'Mission Over' (MOB) mantra reflects the current defensive philosophy under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Smith's recognition of this legacy suggests he is aware of the standards expected of him as a member of the Seahawks' defense.
The Seahawks are coming off a remarkable season, having won Super Bowl LX by defeating the New England Patriots 29-13. In that game, the defense was particularly dominant, holding the Patriots scoreless for three quarters and recording six sacks along with three turnovers. Seattle's defense also led the NFL in fewest points allowed during the regular season and ranked first in DVOA, solidifying its reputation as one of the league's top defensive units.
As Smith joins a cornerback group that includes standout Devon Witherspoon, he faces the challenge of securing a role in a secondary that has high expectations. Veteran Trevon Diggs is currently on the practice squad following the final roster cuts, which may provide Smith with an opportunity to learn from experienced players while potentially earning playing time in sub-packages and special teams.
Smith's journey to the NFL began when he was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent after a successful college career at Toledo, where he played in 51 games and recorded 127 tackles, three interceptions, and 29 passes defensed. In three preseason games for Los Angeles, he tallied 15 tackles and one pass defensed, showcasing his potential. However, with a deep cornerback depth chart in Los Angeles, Smith became expendable, leading to Seattle's decision to acquire him.
Interestingly, Smith has a unique background that could benefit his transition to the NFL. He initially played quarterback in high school, where he threw for over 3,200 yards and rushed for nearly 1,000 yards, drawing inspiration from NFL star Cam Newton. This offensive experience may provide Smith with valuable insights into route concepts and a quarterback's mindset as he adapts to the complexities of the professional game.
As the Seahawks prepare to kick off their season against the Patriots on September 9, Smith's immediate role remains uncertain. He joined the team just days before the season opener and is still familiarizing himself with Macdonald's defensive scheme. Nevertheless, his early comments reveal a clear understanding of the legacy he is stepping into and the expectations that come with being a Seattle Seahawk.
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