The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft who they hope will push them into the postseason.
The Raiders are beginning a new era as Antonio Pierce becomes the permanent head coach and Tom Telesco takes over as general manager. Those two will determine which players best fit the culture they are trying to create.
The Raiders brought back Pierce and retained Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, who was a significant factor in the Raiders’ defensive turnaround. Continuity on the defensive side of the ball will be beneficial for young players.
One of those players could be Washington State cornerback Chau Smith-Wade. After spending four years with the Cougars, Smith-Wade is off to the NFL. He concluded a week of practices ahead of the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
Smith-Wade finished his college career with 103 total tackles, six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 17 passes defended, and three interceptions. He was named a Pac-12 All-Conference Honorable Mention.
Smith-Wade is not the biggest corner in the draft, standing at just 5-foot-11 and weighing 187 pounds. However, on tape, he does not look small. He knows how to use his body and length to bother receivers and has exceptional closing speed.
Smith-Wade had a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl and will look to carry that over to the game later today. He made plays against the draft’s top receivers, getting physical against them at the top of routes and even intercepting a few passes.
He has excellent instincts and a high IQ, using those to his advantage to make plays on the ball. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith-Wade was targeted 36 times and allowed 17 receptions for 268 yards and no touchdowns. He competes every rep and does not allow his size to limit him.
However, Smith-Wade is not the best athlete and does not move very fluidly. He is slow to flip his hips, which causes him to give up ground against receivers. He is also not technically refined, and his footwork could use some work.
Smith-Wade is projected to be a day three selection in the draft but could improve his stock with a good Senior Bowl performance.
If the Raiders are looking for a smart, instinctive cornerback to fill out their roster, Smith-Wade could be a good fit.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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