USC Trojans' Jaylin Smith: Biggest Sleeper Pick In NFL Draft?

The Kansas City Chiefs are another team to watch for Smith. The Chiefs need to address the secondary in the draft, and Smith could fit right in with a team that is consistently a Super Bowl contender.

In the first round of the draft, the Chiefs selected Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Josh Simmons. The offensive line was a need for the Chiefs, but in the later rounds, the secondary must be addressed.

With the number of teams looking for secondary depth, Smith could be selected earlier than expected, potentially going as a late third-round draft pick.

Smith joined the Trojans in 2021 and earned playing time right away. What makes him a versatile athlete is that he began as a safety with USC. In his four seasons at USC, he played nickel, cornerback, strong, and free safety. 

“Even if a ball is caught on him, he’s always right there. He tackles well, he can blitz, he does just about everything. And just having him out, I think he’s an extra edge to our defense,” USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn said about Smith.

In the 2024 season, Smith recorded 58 combined tackles, two passes defended, and two interceptions. At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Smith ran a 4.45, the fourth-fastest speed among cornerbacks. 

“I just remember moving into the Village like it was yesterday. I feel like the memories they haven’t hit me yet, to be honest. But I just look back at all the memories, the tradition, the culture, and everything about USC. I’m blessed to be a part of this,” Smith said after his final game with the Trojans.

Before joining the USC Trojans, Smith played in Snoop Dogg’s youth football league.

“He played for me when he wasn’t supposed to play for me, meaning his age was a level lower, but he wanted to play on my team with the older kids, and he excelled. He did all the things he needed to do to excel on and off the field,” Snoop Dogg said about Smith on ESPN’s First Take.

Whether Smith rises to be a day two pick or stays a day three, the USC defensive back could end up as a steal for whichever team selects him. 

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