The 2026 NFL Draft saw just two South Carolina players drafted, in CB Brandon Cisse going in the third round to the Green Bay Packers, and safety Jalon Kilgore landing with the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round.
But after all seven rounds, several other former Gamecocks remained undrafted. But that doesn't mean their NFL dreams are over, including safety DQ Smith.Â
On Sunday, GamecockCentral's Wes Mitchell reported that Smith has received rookie minicamp invites from the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns.   Â
Smith was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in March, and was expected to be an undrafted free agent this draft cycle. Over his four seasons at South Carolina, he finished with 228 total tackles, three forced fumbles and five interceptions. At his Pro Day in March, he had an impressive 22 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press.
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Rookie minicamps are expected to start early next month for NFL clubs. Smith, a native of Columbia, S.C., played quarterback mostly in high school before transitioning to defensive back. Â
While Smith obviously still has a long way to go before potentially making an NFL roster, it's nice to see he has the opportunity to show what he can do for a few NFL teams.
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