2023 NFL Draft: Cam Smith Scouting Report

2023 NFL Draft: Cam Smith Scouting Report

When talking about the players with the best ball-hawking skills in this year’s draft, a name that is consistently in the conversation is South Carolina’s Cam Smith. A four-star recruit out of high school, Smith decided to attend South Carolina. He hardly saw the field as a true freshman, but he ended up earning more playing time during his second season with the team.

While Cam Smith’s first season he surrendered a 100% completion rate as well as a touchdown, his second season he nearly cut that in half. He only gave up a 58% completion rate while racking up two interceptions and three pass deflections. Smith surrendered two touchdowns but that is to be expected with more snaps on the field. His 2021 season, however, is when he began to come into his own.

For Cam Smith 2021 was a career-best when he began to trust his instincts. He notched an impressive three interceptions, 14 pass deflections, and surrendered a completion percentage of only 47%. Smith did all of this on almost double the snaps of the year prior and only allowed a single touchdown. In Smith’s final year, he allowed a completion percentage of 36%, nine pass deflections, and a single interception. While he surrendered two touchdowns he did have an impressive showing against one of the burners from this year’s draft class. While playing Tennessee he did well to keep Jalin Hyatt in check. This proved he could be a corner who travels with the opposition, which he may be asked to do at the next level.

Strengths

Only allowed multiple catches in two games this season;

Good size to mirror receivers at the next level;

Supreme ball-hawking skills, whether an interception or pass deflection he gets his hands on the ball;

Versatile player on the outside or can line up in the slot;

Brings the physicality to the run game you like to see from a corner.

Weaknesses

Tendency to leave his feet makes him prone to miss tackles;

Smith is a gambler and could be better suited as a slot zone corner so he doesn’t get burned;

Will draw flags, ten in 2022 alone per PFF;

2021 was better than 2022 and he was targeted more in 2022;

Frame and injuries have created durability concerns.

NFL Comparison: Janoris Jenkins

Projection: Second Round

Bottom Line on Cam Smith

Cam Smith could be a player that turns the defense he joins to the next level with his instincts. He has proved that with every year he can improve with an increased workload. His durability may be in question due to leg injuries as well as concussions but putting on some weight could help that. Teams can expect Smith to step in and contribute right away. He is best suited to a team that prefers to play zone over press and could be used in the slot while he learns the ropes. Smith has tremendous ball-hawking skills and that alone will give him a chance to thrive at the next level.

Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports