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2026 NFL Draft: Why the Chargers selected S Genesis Smith
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Chargers selected safety Genesis Smith with the 131st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Smith, a former Arizona player, adds depth to the secondary after the team traded Alohi Gilman.
Key points
- Chargers selected Genesis Smith with the 131st overall pick
- Smith adds depth to the secondary after Gilman's trade
- He recorded 164 tackles and 5 interceptions at Arizona
Mentioned in this story
Arizona
Los Angeles ChargersRavens
The Chargers have added some depth in the secondary.
Arizona safety Genesis Smith is the latest player to join the Chargers, as Los Angeles selected him with the 131st overall pick in the NFL Draft on Saturday. Smith joins Akheem Mesidor, Jake Slaughter, Brenen Thompson, and Travis Burke in Joe Hortiz's third draft class for the Chargers.
A true center fielder at safety, Smith fell to the fourth round primarily due to his struggles as a tackler. But Chargers safeties coach Adam Fuller went to the Arizona pro day - a signal for LA's interest in Day 3 players - and needed more of a backend presence after trading Alohi Gilman to the Ravens midway through last season for Odafe Oweh.
A former three-star recruit who drew an offer from Yale, Smith totaled 164 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 14 pass deflections, and 5 interceptions in three seasons at Arizona. He was named third-team All-Big 12 in 2025 before opting out of the bowl game and declaring for the draft.
Smith did not commit a penalty in 2025 despite his production and served as a captain for a chunk of Arizona's games this season. Described as an "Energizer Bunny" by college head coach Brent Brennan, Smith has high-level instincts in coverage but needs to be more physical on a consistent basis and will need to get on the JUGS machine as soon as he lands in Los Angeles.
Q&A
Why did the Chargers select Genesis Smith in the NFL Draft?
The Chargers selected Genesis Smith to add depth to their secondary, especially after trading Alohi Gilman.
What are Genesis Smith's career stats from Arizona?
Genesis Smith recorded 164 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 14 pass deflections, and 5 interceptions during his three seasons at Arizona.
What position does Genesis Smith play for the Chargers?
Genesis Smith plays as a safety for the Los Angeles Chargers.