Chau Smith-Wade CB Washington State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Chau Smith-Wade CB Washington State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
ROLE: Outside Man/Press CB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 04/21/2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.54 seconds (33%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Age: 22.1 DOB: 09/17/2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ROLE: Outside Man/Press CB | |
Last Updated: 04/21/2024 | |
Draft Year: 2024 | |
40 time: 4.54 seconds (33%*) | |
Age: 22.1 DOB: 09/17/2002 | |
Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | |
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Overall Rating: | 80.2 / 100 | |
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Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
Offense Rating: |
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76% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
QB Rating When targeted: | 77.8 | |
Tackling: |
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58% |
Run Defense: |
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63% |
Coverage: |
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80% |
Zone: |
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74% |
Man/Press: |
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77% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
5th
Overall Rank:
#171
Position rank:
#35
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College Games: 32 College Snaps: 1536 | ||
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Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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Clark Phillips III - Utah |
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81% |
Jack Jones - Arizona State |
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80% |
Asante Samuel Jr. - Florida State |
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78% |
Drafted: ROUND: 5 - Pick Number: 157 (CAR)
Draft Profile: Bio
Chau Smith-Wade from Simeon Vocational HS High School was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 3-star grade by 247 Sports. Following high school, Smith-Wade opted to join Washington State.After playing little as a freshman as a sophomore in 2021 he played in 11 games and logged 277 snaps for the Cougars. He made just 8 tackles, 6 assists, and had no stops. In coverage he totaled 3 pass breakups, one interception, and QB rating when targetted of 58.8.
In 2022 as a junior Smith-Wade played in 12 games and contributed on 783 snaps. He chalked up 36 tackles, 9 assists, and added 15 stops. In the secondary Smith-Wade forced 5 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and gave up QB rating when targetted of 68.2.
In 2023 as a senior Smith-Wade saw action in 7 games while playing 431 snaps. He logged 30 tackles, 7 assists, and made 13 stops. In coverage Smith-Wade had 7 pass breakups, no interceptions, and surrendered QB rating when targetted of 73.3. Smith-Wade received an honorable mention All-Pac 12 in 2022 and a notable presence in the 2024 Senior Bowl roster, Smith-Wade's accolades reflect his contributions on the field and his recognition among peers and coaches alike.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Smith-Wade's fluid movement and ability to quickly close on both ball carriers and receivers are indicative of his high-level speed and agility, he's a potential quality special teams player.
- His competitive nature and route recognition skills are top-notch, showcasing a deep understanding of the game and an ability to anticipate opponents' moves effectively.
- Exhibits impressive versatility, playing confidently both inside and outside, and demonstrates a strong ability in coverage adaptability.
- Commended for his recovery skills, Smith-Wade has the ability to bounce back when beaten, highlighting his resilience and determination on the field.
- Displays a commendable willingness to engage in run support, showcasing toughness and a proactive approach to tackling, underlined by his effective technique.
- Known for his quick feet and excellent lateral movement in press coverage, he can disrupt receivers' routes and maintain close coverage.
- He possesses a keen eye for identifying route concepts and excels in zone coverage, where his spatial awareness and anticipation come to the forefront.
- Smith-Wade is lauded for his ability to stay composed and effectively play through the hands of receivers, demonstrating good timing and defensive acumen.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- His smaller and thinner frame raises concerns about his ability to contend with the physical demands and larger receivers at the NFL level.
- Prone to grabbing in man-to-man coverage, which could result in penalties without refinement of his technique.
- Struggles at times with turning and locating the football in coverage, limiting his ball production and interception opportunities.
- Sometimes overcommits to initial moves by receivers, which can lead to lost leverage and coverage gaps.
- Although aggressive, he can occasionally resort to ankle diving in tackles, potentially missing crucial stops.
- Only average speed especially given his his size. Is not an elite athlete
Scouting Report: Summary
Chau Smith-Wade enters the NFL Draft as a nuanced corner with a toolkit that screams versatility and high football IQ. His tape at Washington State showcases a player with a keen ability to disrupt passing lanes and blanket coverage that keeps receivers in check. With elite foot quickness, Smith-Wade demonstrates the lateral agility and press technique that allow him to stay in hip pockets downfield. His skill in reading the quarterback and route anticipation makes him a threat in both man and zone schemes, capable of shutting down options across the field. However, his physical dimensions pose challenges at the next level, where receivers are bigger, faster, and stronger.Despite his smaller frame, Smith-Wade's film does not lack examples of toughness and willingness to support the run, traits that NFL defenses covet in the modern game. His aggressive approach and tackling form highlight a player ready to contribute beyond just pass defense. Smith-Wade’s recovery speed and ability to close distances quickly are assets, enabling him to make plays on the ball even when initially beaten. The concern remains about his engagement with larger receivers and the potential for penalties due to his limited long speed and grabby hands in tight coverage. These areas must be refined to ensure he can compete every down without drawing flags.
Looking ahead, Smith-Wade's transition to the NFL will hinge on his ability to adapt and utilize his strengths against a higher caliber of competition. His immediate fit appears to be in a nickel role, where his quickness and coverage smarts can be maximized, and his size less of a detriment. Teams looking for a scrappy, intelligent defender who can contribute on special teams and provide depth in the secondary will find value in Smith-Wade. His draft stock, while influenced by his physical attributes, will ultimately be determined by teams' confidence in his ability to translate college success into NFL productivity.
Chau Smith-Wade percentiles vs other Cornerbacks (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Chau Smith-Wade (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
145.2
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
42.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.