USC cornerback Jaylin Smith, selected No. 97 overall by the Houston Texans in the 2025 NFL Draft, shared an emotional moment with his longtime mentor, Snoop Dogg, following the announcement. The Texans traded up to secure Smith, known for his physical open-field tackling.
In 2024, he recorded 58 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups. While analysts graded Smith with a “C+” due to concerns about his limited ball production (four career pass breakups) and projected role in the slot, his versatility and 82.6 PPF defensive grade made him an appealing addition to Houston’s secondary.
Jaylin Smith Shares Draft Night Call With Snoop Dogg After Texans Pick Him
After Smith was selected by the Texans in the 2025 NFL Draft, he shared an emotional FaceTime call with his longtime mentor.
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“Hey, cuz. What up, big dog? What up, big dog?” Snoop Dogg said.
Smith replied with gratitude.
“I appreciate that, big dog. I appreciate it, man,” Smith said.
The two then reflected on their bond, with Smith telling Snoop, “I love you man. I appreciate everything… I love you coach and you know we locked in for life.”
Snoop, who coached Smith in youth football, praised the cornerback’s perseverance, especially after losing his mother in a tragic hit-and-run accident.
“I’m so happy for J-Rock. He worked his tail off… He lost his mother, and he was able to push through,’ Snoop said on ESPN’s First Take.
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He added that watching Smith’s journey from a grieving child to a USC standout was inspiring.
“If you watch the Netflix special, you see a kid that was trying to figure it out and now you are watching a young adult that has figured it out,” Snoop said.
Smith’s football journey began in the Snoop Football League, which also produced USC talents like JuJu Smith-Schuster. Smith stared at Bishop Alemany High School before USC became the first school to offer him a scholarship. He joined the Trojans in 2021 as a four-star recruit and made an immediate impact, playing 10 games as a true freshman.
Despite challenges at USC, including coaching changes, Smith stayed committed and earned 20 starts over the next two seasons. He won Defensive MVP honors in the 2023 Holiday Bowl. Now with the Texans, Smith will compete for a role in their secondary, bringing his man-coverage skills and Snoop Dogg’s mentorship story to the NFL.
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