The Denver Broncos received a boost this week when rookie pass-rusher Quanterus Smith returned to the practice field for the first since tearing the ACL in his left knee less than seven months ago.
Smith was a fifth-round pick and has tremendous pass-rush ability. He was leading the NCAA with 12.5 sacks at the time of his injury.
Many scouts thought Smith would be taken much earlier had he not been injured.
“He was the most interesting player left on the board today,” ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said at the time of his selection. “If he continues to develop, you may have a big-time steal.”
Barring a setback, Smith should be a full a participant in training camp and has a chance to be a contributor as a rookie.
In other AFC West notes:
The Broncos are helping the family of running back Eric Studesville deal with a tragedy. His parents were killed in a motorcycle accident this week.
The Chiefs signed third-round pick, tight end Travis Kelce and fourth-round pick, linebacker Nico Johnson. Both players are expected to play a lot as rookies. The lone remaining unsigned Kansas City rookie is tackle Eric Fisher, the No. 1 overall pick of the draft.
The Chiefs also signed cornerback Vince Agnew. He spent some time with the Cowboys last year.
Update: The Oakland Raiders joined the rookie signing party. They signed six of their 10 picks. They signed four sixth rounders, (tight end) Nick Kasa, (running back) Lataivius Murray, (tight end) Mychal Rivera, (defensive linemen, and their two seventh rounders, (receiver) Brice Butler and (pass-rusher) David Bass.
