DE Smith learning on the fly after trade to Denver

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP)—Le Kevin Smith(notes) deliberately went through drills at the Denver Broncos’ practice Wednesday morning, making sure he got the techniques down right.

The defensive end is playing catch up after Denver acquired him from New England on Monday for a draft pick. Smith has spent his first two days of practice working with defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely while playing on the second unit as he gets up to speed on the Broncos’ system.

“It’s been a little bit of a whirlwind. It’s a lot to digest, but I think I’m chipping at it slowly,” Smith said. “Coach Nunnely and coach Nolan are being patient and really working with me to get the material down.”

The Broncos traded for the 6-foot-3, 308-pound lineman to give them more athleticism and strength up front in their 3-4 defensive scheme. Smith came from a similar system in New England, so he thinks the move to Denver will be a smooth transition.

“I just kind of look at it as the job I’ve been doing for the last three years,” he said. “I haven’t put too much pressure on it, it’s just work hard and stay consistent on my work ethic.”

He has been looking at the playbook and getting familiar with the way the 3-4 will work in Denver, but he said the toughest thing is learning the language in the Broncos’ system.

“Some of the things are similar so I can relate, but knowing exactly what to do when you hear the word is probably the toughest thing,” he said. “They’ve already put in most of their package by now so I’ve got to catch up to everybody else and learn the new things. Once I learn what’s already in the playbook it should pick up a little bit.”

Smith isn’t a complete stranger in Denver. Several players on the roster are former Patriots, including three who were in New England last year—Jabar Gaffney(notes), LaMont Jordan(notes) and Lonie Paxton(notes). Also, Daniel Graham(notes) and Chad Jackson(notes), who also have professional roots in New England, were on Denver’s roster last year.

It also helps that new head coach Josh McDaniels was the Patriots’ offensive coordinator the past three seasons. The familiarity makes a difference when coming to a new team.

“It helps just because it’s a familiar face and somewhat you understand what you’re getting yourself into,” Smith said. “All that plays into helping me fit in easier. Knowing (McDaniels), knowing a couple of guys on the team is going to make it a smooth transition.”

Smith was expendable in New England because of the Patriots’ depth on the defensive line. Smith said the glut of talent in New England didn’t have him thinking he could end up on the waiver wire at the end of training camp.

“I never thought about it. I felt if I showed up, worked hard and did my job I have nothing to worry about,” he said. “If you’re cut, you’re cut. It’s better to be cut because of numbers than be cut because you can’t play.”