Introduction
Joseph "Lee" Smith (born November 21, 1987) is an American football tight end for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Marshall University, and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Smith has also played for the Buffalo Bills.
Collegiate career
Smith originally committed and enrolled at the University of Tennessee, where his father Daryle played. However, after being charged with DUI on campus, he was immediately dismissed by head coach Phillip Fulmer. Smith would then enroll at Marshall University.
Smith shared playing time with Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Cody Slate, throughout most of his first three seasons at Marshall. As a full-time starter in 2010, Smith finished the year with career highs in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns. He also was named to the Conference USA All-Academic team and invited to the Senior Bowl
Professional career
| Ht | Wt | Arm length | Hand size | 40-yd dash | 10-yd split | 20-yd split | 20-ss | 3-cone | Vert | Broad | BP | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 6 in | 266 lb | 34 3⁄8 in | 9 3⁄4 in | 4.94 s | 1.68 s | 2.81 s | 4.28 s | 7.16 s | 29 in | 9 ft 0 in | 25 reps | ||||||||
| All values from NFL Combine | |||||||||||||||||||
New England Patriots
Smith was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 28th pick of 5th round, which was the 159th overall pick, in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was released by the Patriots on September 3, 2011 and claimed by the Buffalo Bills on September 4, 2011.
Buffalo Bills
On September 4, 2011, Smith was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills. His first regular season NFL appearance was on October 2, 2011, against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Oakland Raiders
On March 10, 2015, Smith signed a three-year contract with the Oakland Raiders. He was placed on injured reserve on October 5, 2016.
Personal life
Smith is the son of former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Daryle Smith.