Fred Smoots is a former professional American football cornerback known for his time in the National Football League. This overview compiles key performance metrics, career highlights, and contextual information for fans and analysts researching his contributions to the sport.
Below is a structured summary that captures essential dimensions of Fred Smoots career, providing a quick reference for position, team history, and notable achievements.
| Player | Position | Teams | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fred Smoots | Cornerback | Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans | Started 35 of 56 career regular season games |
College Career and Draft Profile
Fred Smoots played college football at Mississippi State University before entering the 2001 NFL Draft. Scouts highlighted his size, speed, and ability to play tough in man coverage, which set the stage for his professional trajectory.
Mississippi State Performance
At Mississippi State, Smoots developed as a shutdown corner, recording multiple strong seasons that earned him attention from NFL evaluators.
Professional Playing Career
Smoots entered the league as a third-round pick and spent time with the Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans. His durability and special teams contributions made him valuable across multiple rosters.
Regular Season Game Stats
Over his career, Smoots started 35 of 56 games, compiling 166 total tackles, 1 sack, 6 interceptions, and 14 passes defended. These numbers reflect consistent in-game impact at the cornerback position.
Defensive Skills and Coverage Ability
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing around 190 pounds, Smoots used his frame to disrupt routes and contest catches. His background in man coverage allowed him to stay tight on receivers in critical downs.
Ball Skills and Turnovers
With 6 career interceptions and multiple passes defended, Smoots was frequently a playmaker in secondary units. His willingness to strike the ball led to key turnovers in important games.
Legacy and Key Takeaways
Fred Smoots exemplified the value of a steady, physical cornerback in an era when versatility mattered. His career stats and reliability left a mark on every team he represented.
- Played cornerback at Mississippi State before a 3-team NFL career
- Started 35 of 56 regular season games with solid tackle production
- Recorded 6 interceptions and 14 passes defended over his career
- Provided depth and special teams value across multiple rosters
- Remembered as a tough, dependable back-end defender in the secondary
FAQ
Reader questions
Which teams did Fred Smoots play for during his NFL career?
Fred Smoots played for the Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans.
How many career interceptions did Fred Smoots record?
Fred Smoots recorded 6 interceptions over his professional career.
Did Fred Smoots start games during his time in the league?
Yes, he started 35 of his 56 career regular season games.
What was Fred Smoots role on special teams?
He contributed on special teams, using his coverage skills to limit return opportunities and support the overall unit.