LB Tommy Smith Set to Have Tryout at Cleveland Browns Rookie Minicamp

According to KTVB sports director Jay Tust from Boise, ID, the Cleveland Browns reached out to former Boise State player Tommy Smith, offering him a tryout at this weekend's rookie minicamp that is being held in Berea.

Although Cleveland is intrigued by Smith’s ability to play fullback, a source says he is being brought in specifically to tryout at inside linebacker. Leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft, both Atlanta and Miami showed the most interest in Smith. I’m told Cleveland stepped up it’s pursuit after a multitude of trades left them with just five picks.

At 6-1, 237 lbs, Smith also has experience contributing on special teams. He registered 61 tackles and 1 sack last season. The Browns also invited a couple of other players on a tryout basis to the rookie minicamp, as we reported last week. One of those players is ILB Mike Niam, a Hudson native. The Browns did not sign an undrafted free agent at inside linebacker, so it would seem possible that they will sign whoever they like better between Niam and Smith.

Last year, the Browns signed L.J. Fort as an undrafted free agent, and he made significant contributions to the defense. With the switch to the 3-4 defense, the Browns will be trying to find the right group of guys to anchor the middle behind the defensive line.