One thing became obvious after Broncos second-round pick Alphonso Smith chatted with reporters Saturday: the Wake Forest cornerback does not lack confidence.
Football coaches say that’s a desirable — even necessary — trait in a player, especially those playing in the secondary.
“I’m coming in to start (for the Broncos) right away, to be honest,” Smith said. “That’s the attitude I have.”
Denver further fortified its defensive backfield with the addition Texas Tech free safety Darcel McBath later in the second round. McBath (6-0, 198 pounds) was taken at No. 48. The Broncos obtained their earlier pick in the second round, No. 37 overall, by trading their 2010 first-round draft choice to Seattle.
“I’m blessed that I’ll get to play in Denver with two future hall of famers,” McBath said of current aphamp Bailey and Brian Dawkins. “If I can pick up something from them, I’ll be a better player.”
Smith (5-9, 193) earned All-American honors and was projected in some mock drafts to be a first-rounder.
“I came into today expecting the worse, which would be the second round,” Smith said. “I am kind of disappointed. But now, I could care less. Denver was one of the teams, along with Atlanta and Miami, that I really wanted to play for.”
Smith gained the reputation of a ball hawk, having intercepted 21 passes during his four-year college career. That included eight interceptions in 2007 and seven picks last fall.
“I understand the game. I’m really smart,” Smith said. “I take calculated risks; I don’t gamble. (Broncos coaches) were excited that I’m instinctive.”
McBath was recruited by Texas Tech as a cornerback and said he plays safety with the mentality of a cover corner.
“I got to check (Michael) Crabtree every day in practice,” McBath said, referring to the All-American Red Raiders receiver who was taken No. 10 in the first round by San Francisco. “It became a task, but I tried to get better every day.
“I faced a lot of good receivers in the Big 12. That’s how you improve.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
