Ourlads' Profile:
2026 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about GENESIS SMITH:
Arizona | Hometown: Chandler, AZ | HT: 6017 | WT: 205 | 40 time: 4.50 | Hand: 0914 | Arm: 3278 | Wing: 7918
One-year starter. Third-team All-Big 12 this past season. Played all over the field for Arizona's defense showing off his versatility. Intriguing combination of size and athleticism makes him an enticing prospect. Gets his run/pass read instantly and reacts suitably; won't overcommit. Instinctual player who always finds his way to the ball. Displays substantial range allowing him to succeed over-the-top as a true sideline-to-sideline defender. Excellent at recognizing and picking up deep threats using his long strides to make ground quickly. Sees threats in his peripheral underneath and moves on skates to get in windows and take away throwing lanes. Disciplined eyes and will mirror the quarterback outside the pocket. Shows hip fluidity and athleticism to turn and run with speedy receivers downfield in man coverage. Exceptional closing speed when squeezing down on receivers and recovering in man. Can break up passes both facing and with his back to the quarterback by reading receiver cues. Strong hard-hitter willing to throw his body into receivers to take them down. Explosive out of his stance and will fire downhill to fit out the run. Scrapes tight to the line of scrimmage and shoots through gaps to attack runners in the backfield. Angles to the ball improved during the season. Reliable tackler in space who uses good form and strength to bring down ball carriers. Tries to punch out the ball often. Tons of effort plays with many tackles from behind. Valuable player on special teams with good technique on punt and punt return. Occasional sloppy footwork in transition slowing him getting to the ball. Sometimes will let up when taking on blocks making it difficult to disengage, and also with ball carriers head-up. Can do better fitting out the run outside; fills inside too early opening up lanes outside. Needs to lower his pad level when tackling to limit yards-after-contact.
2025 Stats: 77 T, 3 TFL, 8 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FF, 1 FR, 1 INT. VJ-42.5, SS-4.20. Draft projection: 1st/2nd round