The Chargers selected Arizona safety Genesis Smith in the fourth round (No. 131 overall) in the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler, who had him as a Top 10 safety prospect, offered the following breakdown of Smith:
He has a natural center-field skill set because of his ability to read the quarterback and range toward the football. Similar in ways to Callen Bullock, he has starter-level upside — if he makes the necessary improvements.
Smith's described the play style he's bringing to the Bolts.
"I feel like I'm a playmaker. Just my mindset, it separates me from a lot of people," Smith said.
He later added: "Any position in the secondary, I feel pretty comfortable with ... but I do feel like I have a knack for the ball and centerfield. I feel pretty comfortable back there."
The selection of Smith gives the Chargers another secondary piece for 2026 and beyond, as Smith now joins a room spearheaded by All-Pro Derwin James, Jr. and the likes of Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson and RJ Mickens.
"That's a great opportunity. Not everyone has an opportunity to go in and soak up everything from a seasoned vet so I feel like that's a blessing," Smith said of being teammates with James.
The 21-year-old Smith, listed at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, said he met with Chargers safeties coach Adam Fuller in the pre-draft process.
Smith is coming off a year as a Third-Team All-Big 12 selection after leading the Wildcats with two forced fumbles in 2025.
The safety had a track record of production in his 37 career games at Arizona with five interceptions, 14 passes defensed and four forced fumbles.
Take a look through some photos of the Chargers selection at No.131 in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Memphis.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
Take a look at the Chargers 4th round pick selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, S Genesis Smith from the University of Arizona.
