USC Trojans' Jaylin Smith Runs Impressive 40-Yard Dash At NFL Combine

USC Trojans defensive back Jaylin Smith was one of the best players on a much improved defensive unit. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash. Smith totaled two interceptions and two pass breakups this season and had a strong week at the Senior Bowl.

Jan 28, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team defensive back Jaylin Smith of USC (21) celebrates after a play during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Jaylin Smith is a 5-10, 187-pound defensive back who played his college football with the USC Trojans. Smith is coming off of a fantastic senior season in which he showcased a wide range of versatility and range playing multiple roles for Trojans defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s much improved unit. With a vast amount of experience and comfort in a professional-level scheme, Smith will be a player who can make the transition seamless.

At the NFL Combine, Smith has put icing on the cake and ran a 4.45 40-yard dash twice, putting any long speed doubts to bed with consistent showings. The NFL Network broadcasting crew spoke highly of his season at USC and noted his well-rounded skill set, as has been the theme of the offseason.

4.45‼️ @jayliinn_1k 💨 🦈@nflnetwork 📺 pic.twitter.com/idza6bd3ck

— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) February 28, 2025

Since declaring for the draft, Smith has had a fantastic pre-draft process. During the Reese’s Senior Bowl, an annual showcase for the top upperclassmen draft prospects, Smith shined through the practices where he was able to display his versatility and multifaceted positional acumen. In situations where he was put in a disadvantage, Smith was able to flourish.

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Notable Quotes:

“Jaylin (Smith) is a star in the making,” former USC coach Taylor Mays said. “I think for J-Rock especially, I’ve been here his whole career from when he came in as a freshman, I think it’s twofold because it’s him on the field and it’s also him off the field. He’s grown up which every player naturally does as they get older, but he’s grown up, he’s matured, he’s seen what he needs to do in order to be successful on and off the football field."

“He’s a piece that gives us some versatility. . . . Feel like he’s got the ability to help us at different places. Certainly, it’s been his emergence at corner, I think, has been a really positive thing for us so far. But, yeah, I think he’s one of those pieces. And we have a few in the secondary right now that we feel like give us some options, so I would imagine that you’ll see all of ‘em in place at various times throughout the year.” said USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley ahead of the season opener.

#USC CB Jaylin Smith

Soft press. Widen the WR, close the space and squeeze to the sideline. Chest-to-chest to prevent back shoulder throw. Doesn’t allow QB to drop it in the bucket.

Incredibly versatile. Can play every position in the secondary. Very underrated prospect. pic.twitter.com/BNn5W6TI9g

— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) January 23, 2025

NFL Comp/Teams Linked To:

Smith is a player that checks most defensive back thresholds in terms of size and speed. Couple that with his ability to excel in press man coverage, soft zone, and slot with nickel potential, he’ll be a player that multiple teams will be after in the middle rounds. The ultimate version of what the hope would be for a player like Smith is to develop into an outside corner with a career path like Eagles cornerback Darius Slay. Should he move to the slot, a player like Cincinnati Bengals' Mike Hilton.