What are the Chargers Getting with UDFA CB Avery Smith?

The Los Angeles Chargers signed former Toledo cornerback Avery Smith as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft, adding competition to the position group with the Bolts' offseason program on the horizon.

The 22-year-old East Point, GA native spent all four years of his college career with the Rockets, earning Second-Team All-MAC honors in 2024 after posting 58 total tackles (40 solo), 14 passes broken up and two interceptions.

Smith earned the same recognition again in 2025 after recording 42 total tackles (31 solo), 10 passes deflected, one forced fumble and one interception. He posted an overall defensive grade of 69.5 from Pro Football Focus this past season, ranking 388th among 896 qualified cornerbacks. His PFF coverage grade of 65.4 ranked 532nd, while his run-defense grade of 81.7 ranked 88th at the position. Smith allowed a 59.9 passer rating when targeted and gave up 26 receptions in coverage. He also added 37 tackles in run support and open-field situations.

Over the span of his college career, he recorded 127 total tackles (86 solo), 25 passes broken up, one forced fumble and three interceptions.

At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Smith measured at 5-foot-10, 196 pounds with 29 3/8-inch arms and 8 3/8-inch hands. He ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash, a 1.61-second 10-yard split, a 7.03-second three-cone drill, a 4.46-second 20-yard shuttle, a 38.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-5 broad jump.

According to Next Gen Stats’ prospect score breakdown, Smith’s total score of 71 ranked 12th among cornerbacks, while his production score of 74 ranked eighth and his estimated athleticism score of 63 ranked 18th at the position.

Smith is a developmental prospect whose value stems from steady production rather than overwhelming physical tools. He stays patient in press situations and transitions into phase without getting caught flat-footed. When he’s in trail position, he recovers quickly due to his burst, and he generally does a good job reading route concepts when his eyes are disciplined in zone coverage. His processing speed shows up most when he’s scanning underneath routes and reacting early to breaks.

For the Chargers and first-time defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary, Smith fits as a depth piece with nickel versatility. Los Angeles has leaned on defensive backs who can handle multiple alignments, and his short-area quickness and route recognition give him a chance to compete for rotational snaps early while he develops and adjusts to the speed of the next level.