Athletic Profile
Height: 5105
Weight: 192
Arm Length: 31 1/8”
40 Time: 4.62
10 Yard Split: 1.56
Vertical: 33”
Broad Jump: 908
3-Cone: 7.45
Relative Athletic Score: 2.94
* Indicates Recorded At Pro Day
Statistics
2022: 3 PRESSURES - 52 TKL (15.1 MIS%) - 34 TGT - 10.6 Y/REC - 4 PBU (3 INT) - 50.0 NFL
2021: 1 PRESSURES - 50 TKL (12.8 MIS%) - 26 TGT - 7.2 Y/REC - 2 PBU (3INT) - 53.8 NFL
Snap Counts
Box: 259
FS: 1,270
SLOT: 413
Pros
Instincts
Tackling
Run Defense
Football IQ
Versatility
Cons
Athleticism
Single High Ability
Man Coverage
Size
Summary
Christopher Smith is a former 4 star recruit from the state of Georgia. He was a 5 year contributor and 2 year starter for the Bulldogs. Smith was a key cog for one of the best defenses in the country in 2021 and 2022. In 5 seasons he racked up over 100 tackles and 6 INTs. Smith is a high IQ, well rounded safety that has some athletic limitations. He has the ability to play in the box, slot or as a deep safety. He possesses excellent instincts and intelligence that allow him to play a variety of roles. Smith, while slightly undersized, is a strong run defender. His first step quickness and downhill instincts allow him to fill the alley very well. He is fearless when coming down hill, as well as being a quick and efficient processor on the move. Smith brings his pads behind him when he tackles in space even if he comes in too high at times. He also displays smart pursuit angles to cover up some of his limitations in space and is a difficult block as a flow defender. As a coverage player Smith shows an excellent grasp of spatial awareness in zone. He displays a fundamental understanding of route concepts and how threats will attack his zone. Smith has better range than his testing numbers would indicate but he does lack the ability to play a true single high role. As a man coverage player his lack of lateral agility and size is much more apparent. He struggles to mirror playmakers in space when he cannot get hands on. Smith does show smooth hips when turning to run but he is over reliant on this fact and can get turned around by smart route runners. Smith, like most safeties in this class, has an underwhelming athletic profile (2.94 RAS) which limits his projected ceiling. However, he is a smart, versatile player who can make an impact at a variety of positions. Smith projects as a potential starter at safety that will thrive in a scheme that moves him around and plays a lot of 2-high. While he may never have All-Pro caliber ceiling he has a high floor, at worst he projects as a strong SAF3 and special teams star.
Grade: 6.03 - Mid to Late Second Round Grade (Potential Starter)
Games Watched: Kentucky (2022), Ohio State (2022), Oregon (2022), Tennessee (2022)