The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Cam Smith 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Cornerback
School: South Carolina
Size: 6-foot-1, 180 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior
2022 Stats: 27 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, 5 passes defended
Smith spent four seasons at South Carolina developing his game and becoming a good player. Now he is in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Out of high school in South Carolina, Smith was a four-star recruit who decided to stay in-state and play for the Gamecocks. In his first season on campus, he played in two games and registered seven tackles, but redshirted. His role increased as a redshirt freshman, when he tallied 16 tackles, two interceptions and two passes defended. Smith stepped into a starting role in 2021, totaling 41 tackles, three interceptions and 11 passes defended. His play helped the Gamecocks go 7-6 that season. In 2022, Smith had 27 total tackles, one interception and five passes defended. Smith led the Gamecocks to an 8-5 record and an appearance in the Gator Bowl.
After opting out of the Gator Bowl, Smith declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first or second-round pick.
Smith has some great ball skills. He shows good anticipation and then can break on the football when it is in the air. Smith tracks the ball well and then attacks the catch point aggressively. He has the ability to deflect passes, but also comes up with a decent amount of interceptions.
He has shown to be good in zone coverage in his college career. Smith has the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, while balancing that with knowing where the receiver is most times. He shows good route recognition and uses that to make plays on the ball from zone coverage.
His ability to tackle is better than a lot of corners in this class. He is able to stop receivers from getting too many yards after the catch. In coverage, he plays aggressively and that extends to limiting yards after the catch.
Smith is a little light for the position. He stands 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, which means he still has to fill out his frame. With his lean frame, he has limited play strength. He still plays aggressively, but can get pushed around by bigger receivers.
His athleticism is average across the board. He has average play speed. While he did run a good 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, that did not show up on tape. He also has tight hips, which makes his transitions tough. Smith should be used in off-coverage because he has trouble mirroring routes for an extended period of time.
While he does tackle well, Smith could provide better run support. He struggles to shed blocks and get to the football. The aggressive mentality that he shows in coverage would really benefit from bringing that to his run support.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second-Round Pick
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