Former Buckeyes CB Shaun Wade slides to the fifth round, selected by Ravens

Shaun Wade has finally been selected. The standout Ohio State cornerback was selected by the Ravens at No. 160.

Wade had three productive seasons with the Buckeyes, including a 2020 campaign where he compiled 34 tackles, two interceptions and four passes defended. This performance earned him a long list of accolades, including Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the Year. He was also a consensus All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten selection.

While the defensive back was once considered to be a potential first-round pick, a tough performance in the national championship game ruined his draft stock. Specifically, Alabama wideout DeVonta Smith had 12 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns … in just the first half. Wade also had an underwhelming pro day, which didn’t endear himself to scouts. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on "NFL Draft Kickoff":

“Had he come out last year, he probably would have been a first-round pick, at least in the conversation for a first-round pick. He tried to do the right thing, went back to college, just a really brutal year. I talked to several scouts and evaluators about Wade. As one said, this year’s film is really bad. The [pro day] workout is just OK. I know that the scouts on this evaluator’s team just didn’t really like him.”