Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sign Drake Dunsmore, Michael Smith
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced that they have signed their two seventh-round picks, Drake Dunsmore and Michael Smith, to four-year contracts. Per team policy, the terms of the contract have not been disclosed. Many of the newest members of the NFL are expected to sign with their respective teams sometime this week.
The new CBA doesn’t allow for much negotiating on rookie contracts, so there shouldn’t be any major holdups or surprises. However, it’s unusual that the Buccaneers signed their seventh-round picks first, while other teams have been focusing on their first-round draft choices. But the Buccaneers definitely have enough room under the cap to sign all seven of their choices without any problems.
Dunsmore was selected with the 233rd overall pick in the draft out of Northwestern University. Dunsmore is a versatile tight end, who can also play fullback. In 50 career games at Northwestern, Dunsmore started 29, recording 143 receptions for 1,567 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a senior, Dunsmore was the team’s second-leading receiver and also a semifinalist for the John Mackey award, which is given to the best tight end in the nation.
Smith was selected before Dunsmore with the 212th overall pick out of Utah State University. During his time at Utah State, Smith appeared in 28 games making 12 starts. He recorded 184 carries along with 15 touchdowns, an impressive mark. Smith also had a notable 7.1 yards per carry average, which was the best in school history. Michael Smith is also known as a speedster and he frequently runs in the 4.3s in the 40-yard dash.
It’s too early to tell whether these two rookies will make a significant impact at their positions, but both of them have skill and potential. The Buccaneers like what they have seen out of Dunsmore and Smith, and they were the first two draft picks to be locked up by Tampa Bay.
You can follow Max Luckan on Twitter @MaxLuckan
Buy Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tickets | Buy Tampa Bay Buccaneers Apparel
Leave a Rant
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!