Jaylin Smith is a cornerback from Palmdale, California, who played at USC before the Houston Texans selected him in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Smith grew up in Palmdale, California, and attended Bishop Alemany High School.
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Smith attended Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, California, before beginning his USC career.
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Smith appeared in 43 games with 32 starts across four seasons at USC, totaling 182 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
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After four years at USC and a productive senior season, Smith entered the 2025 NFL Draft. Houston selected him in the third round with the 97th overall pick.
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The Houston Texans selected Smith as a cornerback in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 97th overall pick.
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Smith earned All-Big Ten third-team honors in 2024 after recording 59 tackles, four tackles for loss and two interceptions in 10 starts. His two interceptions tied for the USC team lead that season.
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NFL scouting noted Smith's press-man ability and inside-outside flexibility. He was listed at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds and had extensive experience in USC's secondary.
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MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
MFT Score: 39.1
2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.