South Carolina CB Cam Smith (9). (Photo by Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post and Courier)

CB – Cam Smith, South Carolina

6010-180, 4JR         Blythewood, South Carolina

Games Reviewed: Clemson (2021), Arkansas (2022), Kentucky (2022), Texas A&M (2022)

South Carolina Gamecocks cornerback Cam Smith (9). (Photo by Jeff Blake/USA TODAY Sports)

Pro: Ball Skills

Cam Smith has a few elite calling cards in his game that set him at the top of the cornerback class. One of his best traits is his ability to make a play on the ball. The most evident examples of this is when he is in zone coverage, reading and reacting to come down on the catch point or using his length and leverage to lure the QB into throwing a ball he is able to undercut for a pass breakup.

Con: Athleticism

Smith has continued to have question marks about his game surrounding his athletic profile. On tape he does not have the feel of an elite athlete, especially in man coverage. There are plays where he is outmatched and needs to rely on his technique and help over the top to defend against outside deep threats. His 40 time at the combine was solid and silenced some of his critics. With athletic freaks at the same position in this class having a good, not great time will hurt his stock.

Pro: Zone Coverage

Cam Smith has played very well within the multiple-zone system the Gamecocks run. Playing in both off and press situations before finding his zone and identifying the most dangerous man in his area. His short-area explosiveness allows him to click and close in on receivers to crowd the catch point. He is a highly intelligent player who works well reading the QB’s eyes and reading the route concepts to take away throwing angles.

Con: Drop in Production

Something that played a role in Cam Smith falling in cornerback positional rankings was his drop in ball production across the board from 2021 to 2022. This may be due to being the number one corner in the defense and not being thrown at unless the receiver has clear separation. In 2021 he was targeted 32 times on 217 coverage snaps(14.7%) while in 2022 he faced 38 targets on 302 coverage snaps(12.6%). Despite this Smith needed to continue to produce as there was a large surge in competition for the top corner spot who put together their best statistical season while Cam’s numbers declined.

Pro: Competitive Toughness

One of the traits that will separate Cam Smith from his competition on viewing is his intensity and alpha dog mentality that he plays with. In the passing game he is not afraid to get in the face of receivers and will make the first 5 yards of a route hell with physical play, especially when he is the low zone player. He is willing and aggressive against the run and coming on corner blitzes. It often looks like Smith is playing with his hair on fire and gives off an energy that is rarely seen in cornerbacks with his physicality.

Positional Projection

Smith has the size, length and minimum athleticism to play on the perimeter at the NFL level. He is not going to tantalize teams with insane height/weight/speed combinations, but will be a starting corner for many NFL teams. Smith would fit best in a zone-heavy scheme that values good technique and leverage on the perimeter. He may also be able to play in the slot with his quick feet and change of direction skills. If a team runs a more man-heavy system, having a lot of cover 2 on the back end will help with minimizing the amount Smith can be beat over top by some of the top speed players in the NFL.

Round Speculation

I personally have Cam Smith as my CB1, being the best technically of all the top corners while still having NFL-level athleticism. Smith will most likely not be the first corner off of the board with many NFL teams valuing raw athletic freaks. Players like Devon Witherspoon, Kelee Ringo and Joey Porter Jr have a good chance of going ahead of Smith within the first round. I would look to see Cam Smith be drafted at the back end of the first, no earlier than Pittsburgh at 17, with some potential of falling out of day 1.