Christopher Smith 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Prep teammate of current UGA defensive back William Poole III for three seasons

• Competed in the 100 meters for the Hapeville Charter track team
• Ranked as a top-50 cornerback recruit

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Mixture of man/zone coverage, with some three-safety alignments
• 2022 projected role: Starting FS

Pros: Christopher Smith is one of the more versatile safety prospects in college football. His football IQ allows him to align in different positions in the Bulldogs’ secondary. The former high school cornerback’s skill set resembles a Swiss army knife. He handles assignments as a deep safety, robber, and nickel corner. Smith diagnoses route combinations and depth from his designated alignment. He has a good closing burst to quickly squeeze underneath routes. As a high or post safety, Smith showcased loose hips to transition into position to make a play on the football. There’s little wasted movement breaking out of his backpedal. Last season, he flashed the potential of his ball skills with three interceptions and four passes defended. He adds a level of toughness, physicality, and swag to the defense.

Cons: Christopher Smith has a thin frame that can use filling out. This can limit his effectiveness as a downhill striker with concerns of injury. He struggles to detach from blocks in the run game. 2021 was his first year as a full-time starter. He has only started 16 of the 41 contests he has appeared in. Another full year as a starting will certainly help with eye discipline and improve his instincts. He can process information quicker to help diagnose run or pass for positioning.

Christopher Smith NFL Draft Scouting Report by Damian Parson