2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Genesis Smith (DB – Arizona)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Genesis Smith

Genesis Smith (DB – Arizona)

6-foot-2 | 204 Pounds

Background

Genesis Smith is a Chandler, Arizona native and three-star recruit who recorded 24 tackles and an interception as a reserve in 2023.

Took over a starting role the following year and recorded 63 tackles, six breakups and three interceptions. Added another 77 tackles, eight breakups and an interception in 2025. He has two forced fumbles in each of the past two seasons.

Positives

Tall, well-built free safety who really looks the part on the hoof. Team captain with two highly productive years of starting experience under his belt. Effective pre-snap communicator. Relatively sound diagnostician from the back end who rarely takes false steps at the beginning of a snap.

Willing run defender who plays with decisiveness when working downhill and shows a good motor in pursuit, consistently working through the whistle. Takes on blocks with good knee bend and extension; also flashes some suddenness to slip past would-be blockers.

Length gives him a pretty good tackling radius, and he closes relatively fast when he finds a lane. Sniffs out screens quickly when shaded over the slot, with good decisiveness to drive on a spot. Arizona trusted him to work in single-high coverage, and he does a good job of shuffling to depth and keeping things in front of him on pure passing plays.

Makes pretty smooth, clean breaks from his shuffle to provide help over the top when playing half-field high zones. Shows solid ball skills in coverage to make plays when in-phase, using his length effectively to break up throws.

Negatives

Smith’s speed is closer to average, and he struggles to recover when caught out of position or when his pursuit angles are too aggressive. Has some tendencies to overcommit early, which leaves him open to being outraced by runners who cut the ball back, especially because his change-of-direction isn’t the sharpest.

Can struggle to work his way through congestion when defending the run. Hasn’t been the most reliable tackler during his career, seemingly as a result of running himself out of position and into difficult tackle attempts.

Summary

A big, well-built free safety who’s at his best when he’s working in high zones on the back end, getting depth and using his play recognition skills to drive on spots and break up throws. As it currently stands, Smith isn’t the cleanest prospect, mostly because his angles in pursuit and inconsistent tackling can make him a bit of a liability in the run game.

However, the tools are there for Smith to eventually develop into a more effective run supporter with time. Seems to be getting more hype than anticipated, but he looks a bit raw for the second day.

Projection: Round 4