2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Chau Smith-Wade (CB – Washington State)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at cornerback Chau Smith-Wade.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Chau Smith-Wade

Chau Smith-Wade (CB – Washington State)

5’11” – 176 lbs.

Background:

Three-star recruit who appeared in two games as a freshman, Chau Smith-Wade started one game (out of of 11) in 2021, allowing 9/20 passing with one interception on the year, before taking over a starting role in 2022. Allowed 27/49 passing (55.1%) for 358 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and five breakups while being flagged six times. Had a stronger season this past year with quarterbacks going just 17/36 (47.2%) for 268 yards and seven breakups when looking his way; however, went down for the season after seven appearances with what was reportedly a soft-tissue injury.

Positives:

Two-year starter with a positive trajectory. Typically lined up as the team’s left cornerback this year, in either press, zone or off coverage, in relatively that order of frequency during the games reviewed. Has a feisty, competitive temperament that’s appropriate for the position. Quick-footed corner who matches releases well. Nice accuracy on his jam at the line with impressive power for his size. Uses the sideline to pin receivers when working on the short side against outside releases. Has twitchy traits to stay connected through the stem. Aggressive at the catch point and makes more plays on the ball than anticipated given his lack of ideal size/length. Attacks blocks with more physicality than anticipated for a thinner corner. Willing to stick his nose in when defending the run. Has good short-area quickness to slip past would-be blockers. Breaks down well in the open field. Eliminated penalties from his game this past year.

Negatives:

On the smaller side for a pro cornerback with relatively short arms. Experience in the slot is very limited, where his frame is better suited. Can have some trouble processing route combinations from zone. Can struggle to contest the catch point when big receivers get vertical. Shows good physicality and aggression to take on blocks but struggles to disengage. Kind of an ankle-biter as a tackler and slips off of some opponents even when he lines them up effectively. Radius is limited.

Summary:

A feisty, physical corner who has the quickness and twitch to provide tight coverage when working in press-man and who gives excellent effort in run support as well. However, his lack of ideal size and length does crop up on tape, especially his tackling. Looks like he’ll be a better fit for the slot at the pro level but hasn’t played there much in college, so there could be an adjustment period. Looks like an interesting mid-to-late-round candidate whose style of play should endear him to a coaching staff.

Projection: Round 5/Round 6