As this year’s NFL Draft unfolded, four Arizona Wildcats heard their names called, led by defensive back Treydan Stukes, highlighting the program’s growing footprint in the NFL. Although it’s the first time in 3 years that a Wildcat wasn’t selected in the first round, the program’s pro pipeline isn’t slowing down as more players chase the opportunity to hear their name called on draft night.
Genesis Smith, Dalton Johnson and Michael Dansby joined fellow defensive back Stukes among Arizona players selected in this year’s draft. The University of Arizona tied an NFL Draft record this year by having four defensive backs selected in a single draft. Arizona joined a rare group of schools to achieve this, those including Louisiana State University in 2020 and Ohio State University in 2017.
The Wildcats were led by their defense, specifically the secondary, in the 2025 season. One of the top units in the nation that ranked 7th nationally in passing yards allowed per game with 165.3 and No. 21 in scoring defense, allowing only 19.3 points per game. They boasted 28 total turnovers and held opponents to 308.5 total yards per game.
**Treydan Stukes – Safety/Cornerback – Round 2, Pick 38 – Las Vegas Raiders**
Stukes didn’t arrive at Arizona as a highly touted prospect. From playing just three games as a freshman in 2020 to a full-time starter the following season, Stukes steadily carved out a role in the Wildcats’ secondary, flashing ball skills and consistency in coverage.
By 2022 and 2023, he had evolved into one of the defense’s most reliable pieces, earning All-Pac-12 honorable mention in 2023, helping Arizona to its fourth 10-win season in program history.
During an injury riddled 2024 season, Stukes only appeared in four games, which granted him a medical redshirt to return to Arizona in the following season. The 2025 season was where he earned First Team All-Big 12 and AP Third Team All-American, recording his best season yet despite missing the first two games of the season with the injury that kept him out most of the previous season.
Totalling 52 total tackles, four interceptions and one sack, Stukes led the Wildcats secondary that finished the year as No. 1 in the nation in team pass efficiency defense at 97.20, No. 2 in interceptions with 22 and No. 7 in pass defense with 165.3 yards per game. His rise from walk-on to All-American was built on steady growth.
The Las Vegas Raiders is filling a major need at safety with Stukes, offering versatility to play both safety and slot corner that is set to make an impact in his rookie season.
**Genesis Smith – Safety – Round 4, Pick 131 – Los Angeles Chargers**
After primarily contributing on special teams during his freshman season, Smith began to flash his playmaking ability when he recorded his first career interception against No. 12 Oklahoma University in the 2023 Valero Alamo Bowl.
Building on late success in his freshman season, he took a big leap his sophomore year, emerging as one of the Wildcats most active defenders. Recording 63 tackles and three interceptions, Smith started to show up on potential draft boards ahead of his junior campaign.
The momentum carried into his final season, earning national recognition with combined production and leadership. Here Smith earned Third Team All-Big 12 and recorded 77 total tackles with 35 solo, three tackles for loss, one interception, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries while playing a key role in Arizona’s pass defense.
Los Angeles Chargers brought in an athletic, ball-hawking safety, sporting a 42.5 inch vertical in this year’s NFL Draft combine. Smith demonstrated excellent range and ability to read quarterbacks that will add necessary depth to the safety room following the departure of Alohi Gilman.
**Dalton Johnson – Safety – Round 5, Pick 150 – Las Vegas Raiders**
Johnson’s productivity also started on special teams through his redshirt freshman season. After beginning as a rotational safety and special teams contributor, Johnson broke out in 2023, finishing with 86 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and four forced fumbles, which includes making 13 tackles and forcing one pivotal fumble in the Wildcats 38-24 comeback win over No. 12 Oklahoma.
Taking that momentum into his final two years at Arizona, he led the defense with 94 total tackles in 2024 and 97 tackles 2025. Additionally, Johnson recorded four interceptions in his senior year and a staggering 18 tackles on his senior night en route to a 41-17 over Baylor University, capping off an impressive college career.
Finishing the 2025 season, he earned two Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week awards along with First Team All-Big 12, AP First Team All-Big 12 and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honorable mention.
Pairing Johnson with fellow Wildcat Stukes, Las Vegas now has a safety tandem to develop over the next couple of years.
**Michael Dansby – Cornerback – Round 7, Pick 255 – Seattle Seahawks**
Unlike the other three defensive backs, Dansby started his career with head coach Brent Brennan at San Jose State University. Before arriving to Arizona, Dansby recorded 5 interceptions and 68 tackles, Dansby joined Brennan and the Wildcats for his senior season.
In his 2025 senior season with the Arizona Wildcats, cornerback Michael Dansby recorded 19 total tackles, two interceptions, 10 pass breakups and one fumble recovery over 12 games. This made Dansby a key contributor to a top-10 national pass defense as well as led the Wildcats in pass breakups.
The Seattle Seahawks will be adding a physical, experienced corner with strong ball skills in the final round. His journey from San Jose State to the power four level at Arizona caps off a career defined by adaptability and steady production.
**Undrafted signings**
Following this season’s NFL Draft, five Wildcats signed as undrafted free agents.
As of April 28, center Ka’ena Decambra for the Arizona Cardinals, cornerback Ayden Garnes for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, defensive tackle Deshawn McKnight for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, wide receiver Luke Wysong for the Minnesota Vikings and linebacker Riley Wilson for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Each played a significant role in Arizona’s nine win season.
**Additional players to watch**
Other Arizona players to watch as undrafted free agents include running back Ismail Mahdi, wide receivers Kris Hutson and Javin Whatley, linebacker Riley Wilson and defensive lineman Tia Savea. All of which were key contributors to the Wildcats success last season.
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