Potential Raiders Draft pick: Chau Smith-Wade, WSU, cornerback
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders are searching for players that they believe will help them advance to the postseason. With Antonio Pierce taking over as permanent head coach and Tom Telesco taking over as general manager, the Raiders are starting a new chapter in their history. Which players suit the culture they are seeking to create the best will be decided by those two. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, who played a big role in the Raiders’ defensive comeback, was kept by the team along with Pierce. For inexperienced players, consistency on the defensive end of the ball will be advantageous.
Chau Smith-Wade, a cornerback for Washington State, might be one of those players. Smith-Wade has left the Cougars after four seasons to join the NFL. One week of preparations came to an end for him before the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. With 103 total tackles, six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 17 passes defended, and three interceptions at the end of his college career, Smith-Wade had a successful career. He received an honorable mention for Pac-12 All-Conference. Smith-Wade, who is only 5-foot-11 and weighs 187 pounds, is hardly the largest cornerback in the draft. On video, though, he doesn’t appear little. He possesses remarkable closing speed and understands how to annoy receivers with his body and length.
Former Washington State cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, a star in the Senior Bowl, is a player the Las Vegas Raiders could target in the 2024 NFL Draft.The USA TODAY Sports Vasha Hunt The USA TODAY Sports Vasha Hunt Smith-Wade will try to apply his strong practice performance from the Senior Bowl to the game later today. He made plays against the best receivers in the draft, taking them on physically at the top of routes and even coming up with a couple interceptions.
He uses his high IQ and superb instincts to his advantage to make plays with the ball. Pro Football Focus reports that Smith-Wade gave up 17 receptions for 268 yards and no touchdowns while being targeted 36 times. He doesn’t let his size stop him from competing in every rep. Smith-Wade does not move with much fluidity and is not the best athlete. He loses ground against receivers because he takes a while to flip his hips. In addition, he lacks technical refinement, and his footwork should be improved. Although Smith-Wade is anticipated to be selected on the third day of the draft, a strong Senior Bowl showing could raise his draft position.
Smith-Wade would be an excellent fit for the Raiders if they’re searching for a quick-witted, shrewd cornerback to round out their team. The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25–27, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan. The No. 13 overall pick is presently in the hands of the Las Vegas Raiders. Make sure to follow @HondoCarpenter on Twitter and @HondoSr on Instagram to ensure you never miss another breaking news item. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our 100% FREE newsletter, which is sent out three times a week and contains all of our greatest stories. When you click right here and like our Facebook page, kindly let us know what you think.