Jacquies Smith Blossoming as Deadly Pass-Rusher Buccaneers Desperately Need

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed a well-traveled defensive end by the name of Jacquies Smith three days after the regular season officially started, there were very little expectations for the second-year defender. But Smith exceeded all expectations and quickly developed into the team's top edge-rusher over the past month.

Smith's journey is another rags-to-riches NFL story.

The 6'4", 264-pound defensive end from the University of Missouri wasn't drafted in 2012. Smith signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins, but he didn't make it through the final preseason roster trimming.Smith then spent three months in Canada as a member of the CFL's Hamilton Tigers-Cats with little to no fanfare.

The defensive end eventually signed with the New York Jets as a member of their practice squad for the remainder of the 2012 season. He was cut by the Jets the following August before he became a member of the Buffalo Bills. Smith played well for the Bills during preseason, but he became a roster casualty once linebacker Nigel Bradham was activated to the roster.

Smith finally found a home in Tampa Bay when the Buccaneers signed him Sept. 10.

The well-traveled defender discussed his journey with Buccaneers.com editor Scott Smith:

Everybody has a story in this league. It doesnt really matter how you get hereits what you do when you get here when youre given the opportunity. Youve got a lot of guys buying into what the coaches are talking about and theyre comfortable in the playbook and things of that nature. Once you get your opportunity, you just have to go out there and do the best you can with the opportunity. Guys are making plays.

And Jacquies Smith is making plays after being given an opportunity to play a bigger role in the Buccaneers defense.

Over the past four games, the Missouri product registered three sacks and 11 quarterback hurries. Among defensive ends with over 100 pass-rushing snaps, the Tampa Bay edge-rusher is rated as the sixth-best at applying pressure, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Jacquies Smith manufactured a sack, quarterback hit or hurry on 15 percent of his pass-rushing snaps this season.

The defensive end told the team's website he's gained confidence with each passing game:

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Jacquies Smith Blossoming as Deadly Pass-Rusher Buccaneers Desperately Need