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There's just a different scent when Brad Smelley hits the field. The sweet aroma of football heightens when he's around. And around, he has gotten.
The Cleveland Browns turned up their noses at the former Alabama tight end after drafted him late in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Rams took a flier on him heading into 2013, but opted to sniff another opportunity with Justice Cunningham. After spending the rest of that season with Houston, the Rams caught a whiff of him after Mason Brodine's ankle injury in the first preseason game of 2014.
Now into his fourth professional year, where does he rank?
Roster Battle
Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks and Corey Harkey occupy the top of the depth chart. That puts a three-horse race behind them between Alex Bayer, Cunningham and Smelley. Having placed five tight ends on the 53-man roster to start 2014, someone above Smelley is gonna have to stink it up for him to have a shot.
Expectations
Having churned out two active tight ends in Bayer and Cunningham, I don't know what Smelley can pull out of the ol' factory.
Chances of Making Final Roster (1/10)
Smelley likely will find himself wafting through the free agent aka fragrant waters. I suppose in the end, the Rams will do what they musk. Of course as Smelley continues to get odor, the youth factor will fade. Here's hoping Smelley doesn't feel............................................de-fetid.