Melvin Smith Jr. (born April 12, 2002) is an American professional football cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Southern Arkansas Muleriders.
Early life Smith was born in Bossier City, Louisiana and played high school football as a cornerback and free safety for the Airline Vikings.Recruiting Profile. HUDL.com. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
College career Smith enrolled at Southern Arkansas University and joined the Southern Arkansas Muleriders as a defensive back for the 2021 season.Muleriders Profile. Retrieved September 1, 2025. Smith was a four-year starter and was twice-named GAC First Team for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He was named First Team Division II All-American for the 2023 season and named Second Team Division II All-American for the 2024 season. He finished his career in 2024 with record totals of 168 tackles including 110 solo tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, 9 interceptions, 46 pass break-ups and 1 forced fumble.Mead, Tom (March 19, 2025). "2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Southern Arkansas CB Melvin Smith Jr.". SteelersDepot.com. Retrieved September 1, 2025. He accepted an invitation to play in the 2025 Southern Arkansas Senior Bowl.Gilliam C. (January 30, 2025). "SAU defensive back to participate in prestigious Senior Bowl on Saturday". Magnolia Banner-News (MagnoliaBannerNews.com). Retrieved September 1, 2025.
Professional career
Kansas City Chiefs On March 24, 2025, Smith accepted a try-out invitation with the Kansas City Chiefs.Fritz, Douglas (March 24, 2025). "Chiefs schedule visit with cornerback after 4.38 40 time". ClutchPoints.com. Retrieved September 1, 2025. On April 27, 2025, Smith signed with the team as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL draft."Southern Arkansas and Airline HS defensive back Melvin Smith Jr. has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs". Threads.com. Retrieved September 1, 2025. Smith was named part of the practice squad after the active roster was finalized on August 27.Kansas City Chiefs News Update (August 27, 2025). "Chiefs Announce Practice Squad and Other Roster Moves Heading Into 2025 NFL Season". Retrieved September 1, 2025. He was promoted to the active roster on December 24.
On August 30, 2026, Smith was waived as part of final roster cuts.
Tennessee Titans On August 31, 2026, Smith was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans. He was waived on September 10.
Kansas City Chiefs (second stint) On September 16, 2026, Smith was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.
References
External links
Southern Arkansas Muleriders bio