Browns 2026 NFL Draft: Arizona’s Genesis Smith has the instincts to shine at FS
Could Arizona’s Genesis Smith be the next Ronnie Hickman-type player in Cleveland.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 15: Genesis Smith #12 of the Arizona Wildcats in action during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images As we all know, Cleveland’s been able to find quality players at safety in both the later rounds and at the UDFA level over the past few years. Ronnie Hickman was the most recent example, and though the team still wants him back for 2026, Hickman still hasn’t technically signed his tender.
He can still sign with another team, but the Browns have the right to match the other team’s offer if they’d like. If Cleveland chooses not to, then Hickman is as good as gone. Getting back to the late-round safety/UDFA tradition, Arizona’s Genesis Smith could be the team’s next day three stud in the secondary if they choose to hold off on selecting a safety until then.
He has the perfect skillset for a centerfield, deep-third type of player who can cover a lot of ground when breaking on intermediate balls. Genesis Smith is a versatile coverage Safety from Arizona with a penchant for finding the football from a variety of alignments. Here is a selection of his INT's from 2024/25 while playing all over the field, MOF FS, Nickel/SS, or half field safety.
#NFLDraft #NFLDraft2026 … pic. twitter. com/FAONa1Fwir — All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) March 8, 2026 He has excellent size and length at 6’2”, 202 lbs.