The Kansas City Chiefs ended 2023 with one of the NFL’s best defenses, but free agent departures and injuries took a toll on the unit’s depth this season. The team should consider investing selections in defensive backs in the 2025 NFL draft.
USC Trojans cornerback Jaylin Smith kicked outside in 2024 after spending the past two seasons playing in the slot. He’ll move back inside once he reaches the NFL because of his size and arm length. He could see some action as an outside corner if injuries strike the Chiefs, but that role won’t serve as his full-time home.
Smith is a smooth corner who uses spurts of twitchy footwork to attack short to intermediate routes and close throwing lanes from off-man coverage. This closing speed allows him to drive on slants and crossing routes to prevent quick-hitting throws.
Smith’s patience helps him mirror the receiver’s release in press coverage. He smothers inside releases with his aggression and uses ideal inside leverage to deter throws on vertical routes. Smith lacks elite acceleration, agility, and speed, which limits his ability to thrive in press.
Smith’s lack of size puts him at a disadvantage at the catch point, but this flaw doesn’t impact him in run defense. He routinely makes one-on-one tackles in open space against larger opponents. His willingness to come downhill without any support makes him one of the best tackling corners in the class.
USC hosts 10-1 Notre Dame on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CST. The Fighting Irish are the No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
