Chau Smith-Wade

Panthers selected Washington State CB Chau Smith-Wade with the No. 157 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Smith-Wade (5’10/184) versatile cornerback who is adept at both in zone/man coverage. His versatility & quick feet were on display vs Colorado State as he targeted four times while covering Tory Horton allowing two receptions for 11 yds and an interception. The Denver native only played in eight games during the 2023 season due to an AC joint injury but logged 431 snaps with a 50% reception rate and a QBR of 73.3 when targeted. Clingy and loves to engage in hand to hand combat which can sometimes end up getting a flag. A team captain who possesses notable ball hawking ability with 14 pass breakups and 2 INTs over the last two seasons. Smith-Wade has a smooth back pedal and does well in his change of direction, but he can get beat by twitchy WRs on double moves as he tends to want to jump routes. Although not known for his physicality, he did have 13 run stops in ‘23 with 28 total over the last two seasons. Undersized with a gambler’s mentality, Smith-Wade needs to be more structured in his approach, but has the talent to occupy a slot corner role.