Chargers selected Arizona S Genesis Smith with the No. 131 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Smith (6'2/202) entered a true starting role for the Wildcats in 2024, notching six PBUs and three interceptions before earning Third-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025. Arguably one of the top ballhawking safeties in his class, Smith could find a reserve role on an NFL roster from the jump in addition to the potential to contribute to special teams. His vision and anticipation helped overcome glaring discrepancies at the collegiate level, something that was reinforced by his decision to skip the 40-yard dash at the Combine this year. Average top-end speed and poor open-field abilities keep Smith from being a true late-round gem, particularly in today’s league in which safeties are relied on so heavily in gap coverage against the run. Even so, Smith should stick on an NFL roster come September.
