Ex-Saints RB Abram Smith is the XFL's Leading Rusher
Did the Saints give up too early on the undrafted free-agent rookie running back Abram Smith? It indeed seems so.
Credit: USA TODAY SPORTS
Last season, the rookie once put the football on the ground in preseason action against Houston. In Dennis Allen's postgame presser in Houston, I recall how he wasn't pleased that the rookie fumbled within the red zone and primed to score. Turnovers are Allen's pet peeve.
The team waived Smith on Aug. 28 for the roster cutdowns and didn't sign him to the New Orleans practice squad.
It's unfortunate for the Saints and Smith, who broke Baylor's single-season rushing record.
Fast forward to this season. Smith was the 1st overall pick in the 2023 XFL Draft — and he's looked darn good for the DC Defenders. After five games, Abram Smith is the XFL's leading rusher with 432 yards (5.1 yards/rush) on 84 carries, four touchdowns, and only one fumble.
Feb 25, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; D.C. Defenders running back Abram Smith (4) celebrates a touchdown against the Vegas Vipers in the fourth quarter at Cashman Field. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
The Defenders' offensive line has opened holes for Smith to pop off long-touchdown runs of 70 and 62 yards.
"When you see running backs who run hard, not just run into open gaps -then they're back there blocking, too - you want more for them," offensive lineman Ty Clary said of Smith.
New Orleans might have missed a chance to witness a solid running back mature and evolve if given a chance. Today, he's the prized rusher for head coach Reggie Barlow in DC, who is using "old school" smash-mouth football with Smith guiding them to the only undefeated record in the XFL. The competition may not be the same as the NFL, but a nice young runner like Smith could have complemented Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams very well in New Orleans' backfield.
