Robinson, Smith Selected on Final Day of the 2024 NFL Draft

DETROIT – Texas A&M’s Layden Robinson and Ainias Smith were taken on the final day of the 2024 NFL Draft. Robinson was selected by the New England Patriots with the 103rd overall pick in the fourth round and Smith was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 152nd overall pick in the fifth round.

The duo join Edgerrin Cooper and McKinnley Jackson, who were selected in rounds two and three, respectively, as Aggies who heard their names called this weekend.

Robinson started at right guard in all 11 games he appeared in last season and logged 31 consecutive starts on the line prior to missing the final game of the regular season. The Manvel, Texas, native helped the Aggie rushing attack tally over 200 yards in wins over Auburn (209), Arkansas (204) and Mississippi State (246). He helped protect the quarterback as a member of the offensive line that allowed 2.0 sacks or fewer in eight games. The offense recorded three 300-plus yard passing games with 40-plus passing attempts, while giving up only 1.0 sack as a group in two of the games, at Miami and at Ole Miss. 

“Layden is a strong and powerful offensive lineman,” Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko said. “Not only can he block, he literally moves players. He is a terrific young man.”

One of the most versatile players in Texas A&M history, Smith totaled 1,204 all-purpose yards, 285 punt return yards and 103 kick return yards to earn All SEC First Team recognition following his final season in Aggieland. His return abilities were on full display in the win over Arkansas when he ran back a punt for 82 yards to the house to extend the fourth quarter Aggie lead before totaling a career high 131 punt return yards and 202 all-purpose yards in the game. His 14.3 yards per punt return average was good for eighth nationally through the end of the regular season, while he also averaged 14.7 yards per kick return.

The do-it-all Aggie also led the receiving corps with 53 catches for 795 yards and two touchdowns last season. Each week Smith showcased himself as a threat in the aerial attack, recording five games with 75-plus receiving yards, including two games with 100-plus yards receiving in the wins over ULM (127) and South Carolina (118). He averaged 66.3 yards receiving per game and 15.0 yards per catch, both good for top-12 in the SEC. The Missouri City, Texas, native totaled 4,008 all-purpose yards in his career, including 2,407 yards receiving yards, 836 punt return yards, 405 yards rushing and 360 kick return yards, making him the only 2,000-plus yard receiver in SEC history to rack up at least 250 career yards as a rusher, punter returner and kick returner.

“Ainias can do it all. He has good hands, quick feet and is tough." Elko said. "He can play receiver, is excellent after the catch and is a terrific punt returner. He’s a great leader as well.”