Dawuane Smoot

Dawuane Smoot Bio

Dawuane Smoot, known to many as D.J., is an American professional football defensive end who has built his career in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 275 pounds, he combines size with quickness off the edge. Smoot first rose to prominence with the Jacksonville Jaguars after being selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, later adding a stint with the Buffalo Bills before returning to Jacksonville.

Early Life and Background

Dawuane Smoot was born on March 2, 1995, in Groveport, Ohio, where he grew up and developed his love for football. He briefly attended Saint Charles Preparatory School before finishing his studies at Groveport Madison High School in his hometown. During his high school career, Smoot established himself as a disruptive defender, piling up 260 tackles and 30 sacks across his prep years. Those numbers drew the attention of college recruiters and laid the foundation for his move into major college football.

Path to the NFL

After high school, Smoot committed to the University of Illinois, where he played defensive end from 2013 through 2016. He appeared in seven games as a true freshman in 2013, recording eight tackles and one sack, then played all 13 games as a sophomore with 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks. As a junior in 2015, he started every game and posted 40 tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles. On November 29, 2016, Smoot earned Third-team All-Big Ten Conference recognition from both the coaches and the media, cementing his status as an NFL prospect.

Dawuane Smoot Career

Early Career (2017–2018)

Smoot entered the NFL after receiving a second-round grade from the NFL advisory board, but he chose to stay at Illinois for his senior year. He accepted an invitation to the 2017 Senior Bowl, practicing well at defensive end for the North squad. After attending the NFL Combine and Illinois’ Pro Day, he was projected as a third or fourth round pick. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the third round, 68th overall, in the 2017 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Smoot made the Jaguars roster and played in all 16 regular season games, plus all three of Jacksonville’s playoff contests.

Jacksonville Jaguars First Stint (2017–2023)

Smoot settled into a rotational role along the Jacksonville defensive line, contributing as a pass rusher and run defender. In Week 3 of the 2019 season, he recorded his first two career sacks, taking down Marcus Mariota in a 20–7 victory. On March 16, 2021, the Jaguars rewarded his growth with a two-year, $10 million contract extension, recognizing his value as a reliable edge presence. A late-2022 Achilles tendon injury forced him to rehab for several months, and after a brief stretch as a free agent, Jacksonville re-signed him on July 21, 2023. He opened the 2023 season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list before being activated on October 14.

Buffalo Bills (2024)

On May 3, 2024, Smoot signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, joining one of the league’s most consistent defenses. His time in Buffalo gave him a fresh setting and a chance to contribute on a contending roster. The one-year deal set the stage for his next career chapter.

Jacksonville Jaguars Second Stint (2025–Present)

On June 3, 2025, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced that they had re-signed Dawuane Smoot, welcoming him back to the franchise where he began his NFL journey. His return added experienced depth to the defensive end group and provided a familiar presence in the locker room. Heading into the 2025 season, Smoot was listed at 6 foot 3 and 275 pounds, continuing to handle a rotational edge-rushing role.

Driving Style and Strengths

At 6 foot 3 and 275 pounds, Smoot uses his length, leverage, and active hands to disrupt offensive lines. He is most effective as an interior rusher on passing downs, where his quick first step creates pressure. Against the run, he sets a firm edge and pursues the football with consistent effort, complementing Jacksonville’s defensive front.

Notable Events and Milestones

Smoot’s first two career sacks on Marcus Mariota in 2019 stand as an early signature moment, announcing his arrival as a pass-rushing threat. Through Week 18 of the 2025 season, he had recorded 172 total tackles, 27 sacks, 6 pass deflections, 7 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. His two-year, $10 million extension in 2021 reflected the organization’s confidence in his continued production.

Dawuane Smoot Career Wins

Across his NFL career, Dawuane Smoot has built a reputation as a dependable defensive end rather than a headline stat-sheet leader. His milestone two-sack game against Marcus Mariota in 2019 marked his first real breakthrough as a pass rusher. While he has not posted the gaudy single-season sack totals of elite edge rushers, his steady pressure and run defense have helped two different franchises.

Jacksonville Jaguars Highlights

During his first stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2017 through 2023, Smoot appeared in all 16 games as a rookie and remained a fixture on the defensive line. His Week 3, 2019 performance produced his first two career sacks and gave the Jaguars a spark in a 20–7 win. The 2021 contract extension reinforced his standing as a key rotational piece before injuries interrupted his momentum late in 2022.

Other Wins and Performances

Smoot’s lone season with the Buffalo Bills in 2024 added postseason experience to his resume and expanded his role within a veteran defense. His return to Jacksonville in 2025 placed him back in a familiar scheme, where he could focus on pressuring quarterbacks and setting the edge against the run.

Dawuane Smoot Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Dawuane Smoot was raised in Groveport, Ohio, where his family supported his athletic development from a young age. His high school career at Groveport Madison, where he racked up 260 tackles and 30 sacks, reflected the strong football environment in which he grew up.

Personal Life

Smoot is married to his wife, Aumari, and the couple has built a family life alongside his football career. On October 19, 2021, Smoot helped deliver the couple’s second child at home after Aumari fell on the way to the hospital, a moment the family later shared publicly. Their son, Ahmir, was about two years old at the time and the couple’s first child.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season brought Dawuane Smoot back to Jacksonville after a one-year detour in Buffalo, giving the Jaguars a familiar face on the defensive line. Through Week 18 of the 2025 season, he had added to career totals of 172 tackles, 27 sacks, 6 pass deflections, 7 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. Listed at 6 foot 3 and 275 pounds, he continued to handle a rotational edge role and provide pressure on passing downs.

Smoot’s production complemented the Jaguars’ defensive front, particularly against the run, where his leverage and effort stood out. His veteran presence helped stabilize a line that mixed established players with developing talent. Coaches leaned on his experience to set the tone in practice and on game day.

Looking ahead, Smoot’s role in Jacksonville offered a chance to extend a career that began with the same franchise in 2017. With his contract situation settled and his body holding up, he remained a reliable depth piece capable of producing in key situations. His ongoing contribution gave the Jaguars flexibility as they shaped their defensive rotation for the rest of 2025 and beyond.