Zero NFL Workouts: The Cold Reality Facing Cam Smith After His UFL Grind

Man, the NFL grind is just brutal, isn't it? Every player out there is fighting for a spot, and for guys trying to claw their way back from other leagues, it's an uphill battle. We just got some wild news out of the UFL, where two former Dolphins draft picks wrapped up their seasons with totally opposite outcomes. Wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, who balled out for the DC Defenders, just snagged a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles this week. But cornerback Cam Smith, who played for the Columbus Aviators, hasn't even sniffed an NFL workout. Zero. Not one. It's a stark reminder of how thin that line between getting another shot and being out of the league truly is.

Ezukanma Gets His Shot, Despite Past Struggles

Let's talk about Ezukanma first. He was the Dolphins' second pick in the 2022 draft, part of a small four-man class. Think about that, only four guys, and now only Cameron Goode is still on their roster from that group. Ezukanma played 10 regular season games with the DC Defenders, pulling in 15 catches. He also showed some versatility, with nine rushing attempts for 75 yards. That kind of multi-faceted play used to make him an intriguing prospect. But get this: his former Dolphins wide receivers coach, Wes Welker, mentioned more than once that Ezukanma had issues picking up the offense. Oof. In three seasons with Miami, he only appeared in five games. He got cut from the 53-man roster last summer, ended up on the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad, but never saw a single regular season snap in 2025. Now, after his UFL stint and that solid, versatile play, the Eagles are giving him another

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Cam Smith's UFL Stint Lands Him... Nothing?

Now, let's get to Cam Smith, and this is where it gets tough. This dude was the Dolphins' top pick in the 2023 draft, a second-rounder out of South Carolina. Big expectations, right? But he dealt with injuries during his time in Miami, appearing in 21 games over 2023 and 2024, but never once getting a start. Last summer, the Dolphins put him on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list, then eventually cut him loose. He couldn't even land with another NFL team in 2025, though he did get a workout with the Kansas City Chiefs after their playoff run ended. Fast forward to the UFL: Smith played six games for the Columbus Aviators. He didn't record a single interception and was credited with just two pass breakups. He even missed time with a leg injury. The UFL just announced a long list of players getting NFL workouts after the Louisville Kings beat Ezukanma's DC Defenders for the title, and Smith's name was nowhere on that list. Zero. Zip. Nada.

The Brutal Truth of the NFL Hustle

It's a really sobering picture, isn't it? One guy shows enough in the UFL to get a second shot with an NFL team, and another, a higher draft pick with more initial NFL pedigree, can't even get a workout invite. With NFL offseason programs winding down this week, it looks like Smith is stuck waiting until training camp to even hope for another opportunity. It just goes to show you, in this league, you gotta seize every single chance you get. The hustle never stops, and sometimes, even when you think you're hustling, the league just isn't watching. It's a cold, hard world out there, and for Smith, the wait continues.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.