DeAngelo was drafted in the fifth round (143rd overall) by Dallas.

Name: DeAngelo Smith
Position: Safety
Number: 31
Height/Weight: 5-11, 197
College: Cincinnati
NFL Exp: Rookie
How Acquired: Drafted in the fifth round (143rd overall) by Dallas
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Fitting In: The Cowboys have gone through a process of getting younger in the defensive backfield. Two years ago, Dallas replaced veterans Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones with guys like Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins. In 2009, veteran safeties Roy Williams and Keith Davis and cornerback Anthony Henry weren't brought back. DeAngelo Smith, a fifth round draft pick, should help the Cowboys replenish their safety depth.

So Far: Although a cornerback in college, Smith began training camp primarily working at safety with the third team. As the Cowboys sustained injuries to starting corners Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins, the former Bearcat began taking a few reps at cornerback. His immediate contribution will need to be on special teams.

Best Asset: Smith's greatest asset is likely his versatility. With experience at cornerback, a successful conversion to safety would allow the Cowboys to use him at either position in a pinch. He also returned punts in college, providing him yet another role to possibly fill for Dallas.

You Should Know: It will be a tough transition for Smith due to the fact that he only played safety in five games of a four-year college career. However, his versatility could give the Cowboys enough reason to keep him around as he learns to play the position.

Sound Byte: When asked what areas have been most challenging in his transition from cornerback to safety, Smith responded, "The speed of the game, you know. Just getting used to a lot of different switching of formations, splitting the middle of the field (and) staying in the middle, my back pedal and breaking."