The Bucs continue to bring in players for official 30 visits – and one position has been targeted the most so far. That would be the cornerback position where Tampa Bay has hosted six cornerbacks, including USC’s Jaylin Smith, according to The USC CB Jaylin Smith Photo by: USA TodayDraft Network’s Ryan Fowler.
Fowler broke the news on his X account on Monday.
Along with his upcoming visit to the Commanders, USC DB Jaylin Smith has already had pre-draft visits with the Bucs, Cardinals, Eagles, Texans & Titans.
He will also take a trip to Atlanta, per source.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 14, 2025
Tampa Bay had previously shown interest at Smith at the NFL Scouting Combine where the team had him in for a formal interview. Smith is one of 17 known visitors to come to Tampa Bay as official 30 visitors.
Jaylin Smith Offers Bucs Positional Versatility
USC CB Jaylin Smith Photo by: USA Today
Jaylin Smith ran a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash and showed versatility playing cornerback, nickelback and safety at Southern Cal. The 5-foot-11, 187-pound Smith was a three-year starter for the Trojans defense where he recorded 182 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, eight pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
Smith was the Trojans’ Defensive MVP in their bowl game during the 2023 season and he led USC in interceptions with two last year and ended his college career by accepting an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Smith didn’t allow a touchdown last season at outside cornerback, but his size limitations likely make him a candidate to play nickelback in the slot in the NFL.
With Tykee Smith possibly moving from nickelback to strong safety in 2025 to replace Jordan Whitehead and play 100% of the snaps instead of 75% of the snaps, Tampa Bay could be looking for cornerbacks to compete for the slot this season. Christian Izien, who started every game during his rookie season in 2023 in the slot could be a leading contender, but the team will look to add another candidate or two in the 2025 NFL Draft. Smith could be one of those options late on Day 3.
