Christopher Smith Scouting Report and NFL Draft Player Profile
2023 NFL Draft Measurements
Christopher Smith 40-Yard Dash Time – 4.46
5’11” / 195 lbs.
Christopher Smith Draft Profile
Christopher Smith is a former 3-star recruit from Hapeville Charter High School in Atlanta, Georgia. According to 247sports, he was the 36th-best player in the state of Georgia in the 2018 recruiting class. He was the 2nd-highest graded player from his high school. The only teammate that he was ranked lower than was Kingsley Enagbare. While at Hapeville Charter, he played 13 varsity games according to MaxPreps. In those 13 games, he had 32 total tackles, 3 interceptions, and 7 passes defensed. While achieving his 3-star status, he gained recognition from loads of Division I programs. Some of these schools include Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, and Georgia.
According to ESPN, in his first season at Georgia, Smith played in only 2 games where he racked up a total of 4 tackles. After this season, he got some more snaps during the 2019 season. In 5 games, Smith had 7 total tackles. During the 2020 season, Smith became a regular starter for the Bulldogs. He played in 9 games and had 26 total tackles and a pass defense. In the past two seasons, Smith has been a big reason why the Bulldog’s defense has led them to 2 national championships. In 2021, he had 26 total tackles, 1 interception, 1 pick-six, and 2 passes defensed. Prior to the national championship against TCU, Smith has a total of 57 tackles, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 3 interceptions and 5 passes defensed.
Strengths
Zone Coverage
Christopher Smith is one of the best zone coverage safeties in the nation. When in deep coverage, Smith shows incredible field vision and awareness to read the routes the receivers are running. While reading the routes he does a good job of patiently sitting in his zone and waiting for the play to develop. He is also good at reading the QB’s eyes. This allows him to make a jump on a route below him or track the ball over his shoulder on deep throws. I am also impressed with his ability to cover lots of ground in single high coverage.
Athleticism
Christopher Smith has very fluid hips when he is backpedaling to his zone. Having fluid hips allows him to mirror any move that an opposing receiver makes. If the ball is thrown his way, he has a good burst to explode in the direction of the ball. He also does a good job of closing out on a receiver if he is playing the receiver under him. His incredible quickness allows him to make a tackle to prevent any yards after the catch. If the ball is not in the receiver’s hands yet, he can jump the route allowing him to deflect the pass or intercept it.
As I mentioned earlier, Smith is very good when he is in single high coverage. When in single high coverage, he does a good job of making a stop in open space. His quick hips and burst allow him to pursue the ball carrier and make a tackle in open space.
Ball Skills
When the ball is thrown in his direction, Smith has the ball skills to make the catch in contested areas. If the ball is thrown in front of him, he does a good job of jumping the route and using his hands late to make the grab. Then he lets his downhill speed and elusiveness take over and rack up some yards. Smith is also good at tracking the ball deep down the field over his shoulder. He then does a good job of turning around and deflecting the pass or making the catch.
Versatility
Smith has played almost every position on the Bulldog’s defense. Although he primarily lines up as a free safety in deep cover 1 or cover 2, he has the ability to line up anywhere. According to PFF, Smith has played a total of 769 snaps so far this season. Out of those snaps, he has only lined up as a free safety 509 times. The majority other 210 snaps come from him lining up as a slot corner, or in the box. Although he is at his best when lined up at free safety, he has the skills necessary to line up at slot corner or as a stack linebacker.
Weaknesses
Size
Although Smith has played many snaps at slot corner and in the box, he lacks the size to be consistent in these areas. In the slot, Smith has the athleticism and speed needed to keep up with slot receivers and tight ends lined up in the slot. But the biggest concern that I have is that he is not able to win the physical matchups, especially against tight ends. His lack of size could also hinder his ability to win at the catch point deep down the field against bigger receivers.
Tackling
When watching Smith on film, I noticed that when making a tackle in front of him, he often goes for a big hit. This has hindered his ability to take down the ball carrier if he doesn’t hit them directly in the middle of their body. He also lacks the length needed to wrap his arms around bigger receivers and tight ends forcing him to go for those heavy hits.
Christopher Smith Draft Stock
Although I have some concerns about Smith’s size and how it will affect his ability in the NFL, he is still one of my favorite safeties in the draft. If I were to draft Smith, I would be comfortable taking him in the middle of the 2nd round.
Final Thoughts on Christopher Smith
Christopher Smith is a very impressive safety and has a bright future ahead of him. He is one of the best safeties in the nation in zone coverage. His awareness and field vision allows him to see the offense develop in front of him. He is also good at reading the QB’s eyes and seeing where he is going to throw the ball. Then, he uses his athleticism to jump the route or close out on the targeted receiver. If the ball is thrown in his direction, Smith possesses the ball skills necessary to force a turnover. Smith is also very versatile and can have a similar role to Jalen Pitre and Dax Hill in the NFL.
Christopher Smith Player Comparison
Christopher Smith reminds me a lot of Cincinnati Safety Dax Hill. They both have the ability to play as a versatile DB in the NFL. Smith is a lot more consistent in coverage than Hill was at Michigan.
Christopher Smith Scouting Report and Player Profile Analyst – Matthew Lewis
