Zero NFL Workouts: The Stunning Truth About a Former Top Pick While Another Gets His Shot
Alright, listen up, 12s, because the NFL machine never stops, even after the UFL season wraps. We just got some wild news about two former Miami Dolphins draft picks who were trying to claw their way back into the league. One dude, Erik Ezukanma, actually did it, signing with the Eagles! But the other guy, former second-round pick Cam Smith, is still stuck in neutral, and honestly, it’s a brutal look for a player with his draft pedigree.
Ezukanma's Bounce Back: From UFL to the Linc
So, get this: Wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, a former Dolphins second pick in the 2022 draft, just inked a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Yeah, *those* Eagles! This guy played for the DC Defenders in the UFL, and while he wasn't exactly setting the world on fire, he got noticed. He grabbed 15 passes in 10 UFL regular season games and added 75 yards on nine rushing attempts, showing off that versatility. Remember how his former Dolphins wide receivers coach, Wes Welker, straight up said Ezukanma had trouble picking up the offense? He only appeared in five NFL games over three seasons with Miami, got cut from their 53-man roster last summer, and ended up on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad without seeing a single regular season game in 2025.
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It just goes to show you, sometimes all it takes is a fresh start and a team willing to take a chance. Ezukanma's DC Defenders lost the UFL title to the Louisville Kings, but he's still walking away with an NFL contract. Talk about a silver lining!
Cam Smith's Uphill Battle: No Workouts, No Hope?
Now, here’s where it gets tough. Cornerback Cam Smith, the Dolphins' top pick in the 2023 draft as a second-round selection out of South Carolina, played for the Columbus Aviators in the UFL. He played six games, didn't record an interception, and only managed two pass breakups. To make matters worse, he missed time with a leg injury in the UFL. This isn't exactly the comeback story we wanted to hear for a former top pick. Smith’s NFL journey with the Dolphins was already riddled with injuries, too. He played 21 games with zero starts in 2023 and 2024. The Dolphins placed him on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list last summer and then released him. He couldn’t land with another team in 2025, though he did get a workout with the Kansas City Chiefs *after* they were eliminated from playoff contention. And now, the UFL announced its list of players getting NFL workouts this week, and Smith’s name was noticeably absent. This is a cold dose of reality, folks. With NFL offseason programs wrapping up, it looks like Smith will have to wait until training camp for any glimmer of hope.
It's a stark reminder of how brutal this league can be. One guy gets a second chance, the other is left scrambling for any opportunity. We're always pulling for these guys, but the NFL waits for nobody. Let's see if Smith can find a way to impress once training camps kick off!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.