With the pre-draft process now fully underway for the 2023 NFL Draft, we continue our scouting report coverage with South Carolina CB Cam Smith. As one of the top corners in this draft class, Smith has the tools and skillset that many teams in the first round will covet. As we breakdown Cam smith below, this scouting report also features a predicted 40 time, injury history, player comparison, and NFL Draft projection.
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Cam Smith 40 Time
I have South Carolina CB Cam Smith poised to run a 4.45 second 40 time at the 2023 NFL Combine. When compared to the league average, this would be a solid time for the cornerback position. On game film, Smith has a good range to reach the backfield quickly form the third level. Additionally, he has good quickness and agility when rushing off the edge or from the corner position.
Cam Smith Injury History
Earlier this season, Cam Smith missed the game against Georgia after suffering a concussion against Arkansas. Last season, Smith battled a foot injury, but was able to start in seven games. He missed two games last season, a midseason matchup against Tennessee, as well as the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against North Carolina.
Cam Smith Scouting Report
Pros
- Possesses Very Good Range And Quickness As A Defensive Back
- Good, But Limited, Ability To Remain In Tight Coverage Versus WRs
- Can Hold His Own When Rushing The Passer
Cons
- Needs To Improve Ability To Read And Attack RPOs
- Would Like To See Him Tackle More Consistently
- Lacks Consistent Ability To Shed Blocks And Attack Ball In Space
Cam Smith is a four-year contributor, with three years of starting experience, at cornerback for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Smith was a 2021 Second Team All-SEC according to the Associated Press and Pro Football Focus. He has good height and adequate weight for the defensive back position in the NFL. Our predicted 40 time of 4.45 is solid when compared to the league average at the position.
Smith displays a good ability to mirror WRs on routes downfield. Although he’s not asked to do so often, Smith possesses the abilities to remain in tight coverage on most routes within the tree. Has a solid ability to constrict outside lanes and force the ball carrier inside. Shows a solid ability to tackle the ball carrier in the open field. Has good range to get to the ball carrier quickly from the third level. Has good quickness and agility off the edge to rush the passer and collapse the pocket.
Further, Smith has adequate awareness at the snap to diagnose play. Displays adequate awareness to keep WRs in front of him when there’s no help over the top in zone coverage. At times, he can be too quick to the punch at attacking WR screens in the flats, resulting in a big gain. Can rely too heavily on using his shoulders and upper body to tackle the ball carrier, rather than wrapping up. Possesses an adequate ability to shed blocks in space and attack the ball carrier. Needs to improve his ability to read and diagnose RPOs at the point of attack.
Cam Smith Player Comparison
My player comparison for Cam Smith is former LSU safety Ryan Clark. Out of college, Clark went undrafted in the 2002 NFL Draft, but was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. He spent his first few seasons in the league battling for a roster spot before finding a home in Pittsburgh. He was named to the 2011 Pro Bowl, as well as a Super Bowl champion in 2008. Clark may have ran a bit of a faster 40 time than Cam Smith, but the play similarities, as well as height and weight numbers, are a match.
Cam Smith NFL Draft Projection
Currently, I have a mid-first round grade on South Carolina CB Cam Smith. There’s a lot to love on film in regards to his athleticism and coverage abilities. Despite not being asked to play in a lot of tight coverage at South Carolina, he’s able to do so consistently. Furthermore, he’s one of the best athletes at the top of this corner class, and it shows on game film.
Teams that are likely to target Cam Smith in the 2023 NFL Draft include the Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Detroit Lions.
