Film Study: Raiders S Christopher Smith II

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Georgia safety Christopher Smith II with the 170th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Smith joins the Raiders after winning back-to-back National Championships with the Bulldogs, having been a part of two of the best defenses college football has ever seen.

In Smith’s five years at Georgia, the Bulldogs compiled a 60-8 record, including an undefeated season in 2022. He posted 132 total tackles, ten pass break ups, six interceptions and one forced fumble.

Smith combines hard work with a high football IQ, and today, we’re going to break down two of his games from last season to see just what the Silver and Black are getting.

In Georgia’s opener against Oregon, Smith started the game by flying downhill and making a tackle at the line of scrimmage all the way from the strong safety position. He did this several times in the game, including an impressive open field tackle for loss.

Smith picked off Ducks quarterback Bo Nix in the second quarter, reading his eyes the entire way as his intended target was bumped off his route and Smith was able to jump in front of the ball and take it back to near midfield.

Smith is a smart football player who is a sound tackler. He has a nose for the football and is always around the ball carrier making a play.

In Georgia’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State, one of the more impressive plays he made was another downhill pursuit of the football. The Buckeyes ran a toss to wide receiver Xavier Johnson, and Smith covered nearly 20 yards to make the initial hit and knocked his helmet off.

He is also a smart player in coverage, consistently taking away the quarterback’s read downfield and in the short field.

With Smith, the Raiders are getting an incredibly cerebral football player who loves to be around the ball making plays. While he is undersized, he makes up for it by having a strong work ethic.

In Christopher Smith II, the Raiders have a great football player and a winner who can be instrumental to the culture of their defense.

OTA Offseason workouts: June 12-15

Mandatory Minicamp: June 6-8

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