The Lions‘ safety position has major health concerns with the season-ending injuries to Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Thus, an early-round selection of a safety in the upcoming draft would not be a surprise. Genesis Smith projects to go within the first three rounds, but has a possible active health concern.
Here is the excerpt from my medical report on Genesis Smith:
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(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Genesis Smith, S (uncertain age, 21?) – Auburn
Projected round 2-3. #51 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19. 42.5” vertical at combine, best among safeties. Did not run the 40.
Concern level 6/10 (pending age)
At the combine, Smith revealed he played through a foot fracture in his final season. He had withdrawn from the Senior Bowl to manage the injury.
A common explanation for what may be going on is a Jones fracture which players often play through, but may end up needing surgery for. This was seen a couple years ago with Kool-Aid McKinstry and Johnny Newton who ended up with foot surgeries.
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If it is indeed a Jones fracture, the notoriously poor blood supply in that area increases risk for malunion (non-healing bone) and refracture. There is a risk that a non-healing bone will impact his rookie season, and even beyond.
Medical will need to investigate the specifics of the foot fracture and estimate its short and long-term risk. The uncertainty pushes his concern level up.
His age is uncertain, but is presumably on the younger side which is a nice positive.
Smith collected 5 INT and 14 PBU in college.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions NFL Draft Injury Report: Auburn S Genesis Smith