Christopher Smith NFL Draft Overview
Position: Safety
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 192 lbs
School: Georgia
2023 NFL Draft: Christopher Smith Scouting Report
Christopher Smith is a safety from Georgia. The senior from Georgia was one of the better defensive backs in all NCAAF this season. He has increased his productivity and impact since he was a freshman in 2018. Smith made a limited impact in his first two seasons with the Bulldogs with only five games played in 2018. In 2019 Smith played in all 14 games but did not play significant time on the field.
Highest-graded Power Five safeties
🥇 Christopher Smith, Georgia – 90.2
🥈 Dan Jackson, Georgia – 88.6
🥉 Millard Bradford, TCU – 88.1
🏅 Malaki Starks, Georgia – 87.9The Bulldogs have three of the top-four 🤯 pic.twitter.com/czYI5rTSWV
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 22, 2022
Smith would earn a starting position in the last five games during the 2020 campaign. He racked up 26 total stops in the passing game. Smith also established himself as a pass-rusher with four quarterback pressures. The defensive back started to earn more playing time and make a larger impact on the field, showcasing his versatility.
Smith started 11 of the final 12 games in 2021 with 35 total tackles. He also racked up four pass breakups and three interceptions. The Georgia Bulldog continued his pass-rushing ability with two more quarterback pressures. Smith highlighted his 2021 season during the national championship with seven tackles, two pass breakups, one quarterback pressure, and an interception.
2022 was the best season for Smith. By the end of the year, he had racked up 61 tackles, one sack, three interceptions, five passes defended, one fumble recovery, and had returned a blocked field goal 96 yards for a touchdown. Smith led the team with his three interceptions and started all 15 games. He also earned All-SEC first-team honors with big performances against stout opponents. Smith led the way against both Ohio State University and Texas Christian University in the College Football Playoff. Georgia’s ferocious defense secured back-to-back national championships, headlined by superstars like Smith.
Strengths
- Toughness;
- Experience as a Senior at Georgia University;
- Versatility to play at multiple levels in the defense;
- Nose for the ball (six interceptions in last two seasons);
- Hits receivers with pop;
- Jars the football loose with physicality.
Weaknesses
- Undersized;
- Underwhelming top speed;
- Stops feet when tackling in the open field;
- Needs to play more in control;
- Fundamental issues – lacking good backpedal.
NFL Comparison: Johnathan Abram, Rodney McLeod
Teams With Need at Defensive Back: Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions
Draft Projection: Rounds 3-5
Bottom Line on Christopher Smith
Smith is a former Georgia Bulldog with senior leadership. He helped to bring back-to-back national championships to Georgia as part of a stifling defense. Smith has some areas that need to be ironed out before he is able to cover some of the NFL’s elite wide receivers. Outside of technical issues, he has good potential to solidify several NFL secondary groups.
Christopher Smith through 4 games:
• 97 coverage snaps
• 1 reception allowedThe Georgia safety has been SHUTDOWN 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ned3fKXAKU
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) October 1, 2022
Smith is a physical defensive back that frequently popped the ball loose from wide receivers. Despite his smaller stature he plays with aggression and often finds the ball. Smith will have to learn to balance between aggression and playing under control. If he plays outside his game he could be subject to double moves and giving up big plays.
Smith also needs to work on his tackling. He has a habit of slowing or stopping his feet allowing the ball carrier to initiate contact and gain more yardage. His footwork also led to some poor angles and missed tackles in college. Smith must improve his open-field tackling if he wants to stay on the field. Despite some technical issues, Smith exhibits the athleticism and toughness required to play in the NFL. With some of the bigger names going ahead of him, Smith should be on every team’s radar in the later rounds. With his leadership and success at the college level, he is an experienced winner elevating his games in big moments. Smith should push for a starting position in an NFL secondary within a few seasons in the NFL and could be a steal in the later rounds.
