Gang Green Nation
Over the next few months, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at some of the late season signings who are under contract for 2026, and futures signings after the end of the season. We continue today with safety Christopher Smith II, who was claimed off waivers near the end of the 2025 season and remains under contract for 2026.
The 25-year old Smith is listed at 5’11” and 195 pounds and was a fifth round pick out of Georgia in 2023. He has played in 41 NFL games and registered 10 tackles, albeit mostly on special teams.
Background
Smith was a three-star safety recruit coming out of high school and headed to Georgia where he was in a rotational role for his first two seasons, recording 11 tackles in 19 games.
In 2020, he made the first five starts of his career and ended up with 26 tackles, a pass breakup and four quarterback hits in 10 games.
2021 saw Smith establish himself as a big play specialist as he had 35 tackles, three interceptions, four pass breakups and three quarterback hits. He played in 12 games, starting 11 of those. He had a long pick-six against Clemson and an interception in the national title game.
Having returned for a fifth season, Smith was a first-team all-SEC selection and all-American as he had a career high 61 tackles and three more interceptions. He added career best numbers for pass breakups and tackles for loss with five of each. He added a special teams touchdown in the SEC title game as Georgia won their second consecutive national title.
Having attended the scouting combine ahead of the 2023 draft, Smith was ranked as a mid-to-late round prospect and eventually got selected by the Raiders in the fifth round.
In Las Vegas, Smith struggled to crack the defensive rotation, although he was active in 27 games over his first two seasons. He played just 33 defensive snaps and was primarily just used on special teams.
This season, he remained in a special teams role and was ultimately waived in November. The Rams claimed him and he played in four games for them on special teams before again being waived.
The Jets claimed Smith on Christmas Eve and he played in the season finale, albeit only on two special teams snaps. However, he remains under contract for next year.
Let’s move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Smith brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Smith lacks ideal size and length but he’s a decent athlete who ran a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. He also did the explosiveness drills and bench press and posted solid numbers.
At his pro day, Smith participated in the agility drills but his numbers were below average in that area.
Usage
Smith has primarily played as a deep safety both in college and at the NFL level. Like any safety, he has also had plenty of...
