Smith earned a mention from head coach Dirk Koetter following Saturday's practice for his work on both defense and special teams, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fourth-round rookie has gotten reps with the second-team secondary while also logging time as a kick returner. Smith has caught Koetter's eye with the progress he's made in getting up to speed after missing some valuable time during OTAs with a leg injury. "Ryan's playing a little bit of catch-up," Koetter said. "When those guys miss OTAs with injuries, even though they're in on the meetings, it takes some time to catch up, mentally. ... Now Ryan, you definitely can see his athleticism flash every day. The guy's got really good speed and it shows up on special teams." Smith is listed as the second-string kick returner on the initial depth chart released Saturday, as well as the third-string strong safety behind Chris Conte and Keith Tandy.

Smith, a 2016 fourth-round pick, was one of several players mentioned by head coach Dirk Koetter after Friday's practice as candidates for the kickoff return job, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The North Carolina Central product, who impressed scouts with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, also brings some kickoff return experience from his four college seasons. Smith logged 394 yards, including a 95-yard touchdown, on 14 returns over that span, and could solidify his chances for a roster spot by demonstrating some special-teams acumen.

The Buccaneers selected Smith in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, 108th overall.

EDGE Analysis

Smith is a small school player, but one who showed real NFL potential at North Carolina Central. At 5-foot-11, 189 pounds, Smith exhibited good all-around athleticism at the Combine by running a 4.47-second 40 and logging jumps of 36 inches in the vertical and 122 inches in the broad jump. With relatively short arms, Smith might best project to the slot.