Dawuane Smoot Bio
Dawuane Smoot is an American professional football defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Illinois and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 251 pounds, Smoot has built his career on the defensive line, contributing as both a pass rusher and run defender.
Over the course of his professional career, Smoot has played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills, establishing himself as a rotational defensive end known for his motor and pass-rushing ability. His journey from a small town in Ohio to the NFL reflects years of steady development and persistence through injuries and roster changes.
Early Life and Background
Dawuane Smoot was born on March 2, 1995, in Groveport, Ohio, United States. He grew up in the same community where he would later become a celebrated local football talent, attending Groveport Madison High School. Before graduating, he briefly attended Saint Charles Preparatory School, but he completed his high school career at Groveport Madison, where he developed into one of the most productive defensive players in the area.
During his time at Groveport Madison, Smoot was a dominant force on the defensive line, racking up 260 tackles and 30 sacks across his high school career. His performance drew attention from college scouts, and he ultimately committed to the University of Illinois to continue his football career at the collegiate level. His upbringing in Ohio, a state with a strong football tradition, helped shape his early approach to the game.
Path to American Football
Smoot’s path to professional football began in earnest when he enrolled at the University of Illinois in 2013. As a true freshman that year, he played in seven games and recorded eight tackles along with one sack, offering an early glimpse of his pass-rushing potential. His role expanded significantly during his sophomore season in 2014, when he appeared in all 13 games and posted 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks, demonstrating the consistency coaches were looking for.
By his junior year in 2015, Smoot had grown into a full-time starter, starting all 12 games for the Illini. He recorded 40 tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles that season, emerging as one of the most disruptive defensive ends in the Big Ten Conference. On November 29, 2016, he was named Third-team All-Big Ten Conference by both the coaches and the media, capping off a strong college career that set the stage for his transition to the NFL.
Dawuane Smoot Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Entering the 2017 NFL draft, Smoot had received a second-round grade from the NFL advisory board after his junior season but chose to return for his senior year. He became the 24th overall prospect on Todd McShay’s big board heading into 2017 and was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he practiced well throughout the week despite being held without a tackle in the game itself. NFLDraftScout.com ranked him as the 15th best defensive end available in the draft.
Smoot was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round, 68th overall, of the 2017 NFL draft. He made the Jaguars roster as a rookie and played in all 16 regular season games, contributing on a defensive line that helped Jacksonville reach the playoffs. He also appeared in all three of the team’s postseason games, gaining valuable experience on a deep Jaguars defensive unit.
Jacksonville Jaguars Breakthrough (2019-2020)
Smoot continued to develop as a rotational pass rusher through his second and third NFL seasons. His most notable early-career moment came in Week 3 of the 2019 season, when he recorded his first two career sacks against quarterback Marcus Mariota in a 20-7 Jaguars victory. That performance signaled his growth into a more consistent contributor on the defensive line.
Throughout the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Smoot served as a key depth piece behind the Jaguars’ top edge rushers, providing valuable snaps in both base and passing situations. His ability to pressure the quarterback and set the edge against the run helped him earn a longer commitment from the franchise heading into the next phase of his career.
Jacksonville Jaguars Second Stint and Buffalo Bills (2021-2024)
On March 16, 2021, Smoot signed a two-year, $10 million contract extension with the Jaguars, solidifying his role within the organization. He remained with the team through the 2022 season but suffered an Achilles tendon injury late in the year, leading to a four-month period without a team. On July 21, 2023, the Jaguars re-signed him while he continued his rehabilitation, and he was placed on the reserve/PUP list to begin the 2023 season before being activated on October 14.
After becoming a free agent, Smoot signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on May 3, 2024, joining a new defensive line room for a single season. His time in Buffalo was brief, and on June 3, 2025, the Jaguars announced they had re-signed Smoot, bringing him back to the franchise where he had spent the majority of his NFL career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Smoot is known for his quick first step and his ability to win one-on-one matchups against offensive tackles with a combination of speed and hand technique. He has shown reliability as a rotational defensive end, capable of generating pressure on passing downs while holding up against the run. His experience in multiple defensive schemes has made him a flexible piece for defensive coordinators.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Smoot’s career came in Week 3 of the 2019 season, when he recorded his first two career sacks against Marcus Mariota. Reaching the milestone of returning to the Jaguars in 2025 after his Achilles injury and a stop in Buffalo also stands as a testament to his perseverance and continued value in the league.
Dawuane Smoot Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Dawuane Smoot has built a résumé highlighted by consistent contributions as a defensive end rather than a high-volume sack artist. His statistical impact has come primarily through rotational pass-rushing snaps, run defense, and complementary play alongside more prominent edge rushers on the Jaguars and Bills defensive lines.
NFL Highlights
Smoot’s first career sacks came in Week 3 of the 2019 season against Marcus Mariota, marking a turning point in his development as a pass rusher. He went on to play multiple seasons as a key depth piece for the Jacksonville Jaguars, including a deep 2017 playoff run as a rookie. His career win total at the NFL level reflects his role on team defenses that have competed in the AFC South and AFC East.
Dawuane Smoot Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Smoot and his wife, Aumari, have built a family life together away from the field. On October 19, 2021, Smoot helped his wife deliver the couple’s second child at home after she fell on the way to the hospital, an event that highlighted the close bond of the family. The couple also has a son named Ahmir, born in 2019.
His roots in Groveport, Ohio, remain an important part of his identity, and he has been recognized in his hometown for his accomplishments as a professional football player. Smoot’s family life has provided a steady foundation as he has navigated the challenges of an NFL career that has included injuries and team transitions.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Dawuane Smoot is once again a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars after the team announced his re-signing on June 3, 2025. His return to Jacksonville marks a full-circle moment after a one-year stint with the Buffalo Bills in 2024, and he is expected to add veteran depth to the Jaguars’ defensive end rotation.
Smoot’s role in 2025 will likely continue to center on rotational pass-rushing snaps and run defense, providing the Jaguars with a proven veteran presence on the edge. Coming off an Achilles tendon injury suffered late in the 2022 season, his continued health and availability will be an important storyline to watch throughout the year.
With a familiar organization and scheme, Smoot will look to build on his experience and contribute to the Jaguars’ defensive efforts in 2025. His performance as a reliable depth piece and his ability to mentor younger defensive linemen could also play a role in shaping the Jaguars’ defensive identity this season.