Genesis Smith catches a pass during a drill at the NFL scouting combine in February.
(Julio Cortez / Associated Press)
6-2, 202 pounds | Arizona | Round 4, Pick 131
Notable: Smith ranked 32nd among 914 qualified safeties in coverage grade (87.9) by Pro Football Focus. He had five interceptions, 14 pass defensed and four forced fumbles in 37 games at Arizona.
Last season: Smith, 21, had 77 tackles, eight pass breakups and an interception for the Wildcats on his way to being a third-team All-Big 12 selection. He gave up 16 receptions in coverage, but had a 26% forced incompletion rate, third-best in college football. He also had 58 solo tackles and forced two fumbles.
Why the Chargers drafted him: Adding to their secondary was among the Chargers’ second-level priorities heading into the draft, and Smith should provide depth behind Derwin James Jr., Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson and RJ Mickens. Smith likely will be competing with Jefferson and Mickens for snaps in O’Leary’s defense.
