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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Chau Smith-Wade (Washington St.) - 2024 NFL Draft Pick #157 by CAR

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Chau Smith-Wade

Position: Cornerback
College: Washington State University
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 190 lbs
Projected Draft Round: 3rd - 4th Round

Overview

Chau Smith-Wade has established himself as a dynamic cornerback during his tenure at Washington State. With a blend of speed, agility, and football IQ, he is poised to make an impact at the professional level.

Strengths

  • Agility and Quickness: Smith-Wade possesses exceptional lateral quickness and agility, allowing him to mirror receivers and react quickly to plays.
  • Ball Skills: Demonstrates strong ball skills with the ability to make plays on the ball, recording multiple interceptions and pass deflections during his college career.
  • Coverage Versatility: Capable of playing both man and zone coverage effectively, making him a versatile option for defensive schemes.
  • Tackling: Shows solid tackling technique and willingness to support against the run, which is crucial for modern cornerbacks.

Areas for Improvement

  • Physicality: While Smith-Wade is a solid tackler, increasing his physicality at the line of scrimmage could enhance his effectiveness against bigger receivers.
  • Consistency: Needs to develop more consistency in his technique, particularly in press coverage situations.
  • Experience: While he has played well, further experience against top-tier competition could benefit his development.

Conclusion

Chau Smith-Wade is a talented cornerback with the potential to contribute immediately to an NFL team. His combination of skills makes him a valuable asset, and with the right coaching and experience, he could become a reliable starter in the league. Teams looking for a cornerback with upside should consider him in the mid-rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.