Eagles select Ainias Smith with the 152nd overall pick

Chosen by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 152 overall, with a pick acquired from Washington, Ainias Smith, a wide receiver from Texas A&M, hopes to be the third member of his family to play professional football.

His dad, Maurice Sr., enjoyed a nearly decade-long career as a defensive back and wide receiver in the CFL and Arena League. His brother, Maurice II, was a defensive back for three seasons in the NFL with Miami and Washington, and was picked in the 2023 XFL Draft by the Vegas Vipers.

Smith led Texas A&M in receiving yards in 2020 and in receptions the following season before breaking his right fibula and separating his ankle four games into the 2022 campaign. He underwent two surgeries and wore a cast for six months only to come back in 2023 and record a career-high 53 catches for 795 yards and two touchdowns, earning first-team All-SEC honors.

“All-Purpose” could have been Smith’s nickname in college since he’s the only 2,000-yard receiver in SEC history to also collect at least 250 yards on rush attempts, punt returns, and kickoff returns.

And the Missouri City, Texas native knew his way to the end zone, as well, with 19 receiving touchdowns, four rushing TDs, and scoring twice on punt returns.

First-team All-SEC All-Purpose and Return Specialist (2023)