The USC Trojans are projected to watch one of their stars witness an NFL Draft fall. But an AFC contender ends that skid at No. 95 overall in the third round.
Versatile defensive back Jaylin Smith heads to the Baltimore Ravens in the latest mock draft from NFL Network draft expert Chad Reuter. Smith ends up avoiding entering the third day of the draft.
The cornerback and safety finds a prime situation in Charm City, though. Smith brings his mix of ball skills and versatility in front of two Baltimore stars. He teams with Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton here. He also heads to a franchise that's played in both the AFC title game and divisional round the last two seasons.
Smith starred at USC for four seasons as a local prospect from Palmdale. He swatted five passes and picked off three with the Trojans. Smith collected 182 total tackles with 134 solo stops. He also snatched 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage -- including a combined 10 his last two seasons.
Yet, USC experiences one of its worst draft falls in six seasons. The Trojans watched offensive tackle Chuma Edoga land with the New York Jets in the third round of the 2019 class. Except Edoga got swooped up at No. 92 overall.
Still, Smith prevents any USC prospect from dropping into the fourth round -- or completely falling out of the draft. And Smith again heads to a contender and the AFC North champions.
Meanwhile, Reuter doesn't have any USC prospect landing in the fourth.
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This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 12:06 PM.