S Christopher Smith:
Scouting Reports:
SI NFL Draft Bible: https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/christophersmith
NFL Draft Buzz: https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Christopher-Smith-DB-Georgia
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/christopher-smith-33b31e17-6049-41d1-b9a8-3bad7c61b01b/
Fantasy Pro: https://www.fantasypros.com/2023/01/2023-nfl-draft-scouting-report-christopher-smith-db-georgia/
Articles:
2023 NFL Draft preview: 5 safeties that could interest the Lions (3. Christopher Smith, Georgia: 5-11, 192. 4.62 40. A five-year player (2018-2022), with 57 games played, Smith had six career interceptions – three in each of the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Bottom line: The fifth season was his best – 45 solo tackles, three interceptions and eight passes defended.) (4-20-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-preview-5-safeties-lions-branch-johnson-smith
The 2023 All-Juice Team: Terez Paylor's legacy lives on with NFL Draft prospects he'd have loved (CB Christopher Smith: Chris Smith is one of the captains of this year’s All-Juice Team, exemplifying the persistence and production it takes to stand out on the best defense in college football over the past two seasons. Smith started 27 games over the past two seasons, totaling six interceptions and six tackles for loss. Five of those tackles for a loss came during his senior season in 2022. Smith won’t be the highest selected member of Georgia’s vaunted defense, but he was the linchpin.) (4-19-23): https://sports.yahoo.com/the-2023-all-juice-team-terez-paylors-legacy-lives-on-with-nfl-draft-prospects-hed-have-loved-140030559.html
Top 10 Safeties in the 2023 NFL Draft: Brian Branch Emerging as the Top Prospect (5. Christopher Smith, Georgia: One of the few holdovers from the legendary 2021 Georgia Bulldogs defense, senior safety Christopher Smith put together another stellar campaign on the back end, racking up three interceptions and five pass deflections while helping Georgia win back-to-back National Championships. At just under 5’11” and 192 pounds, Smith doesn’t have the elite size, and his below-average testing athleticism will sow doubt. Nevertheless, Smith shows better functional athleticism on tape to pair with a high football IQ, quick processing skills in space, and the versatility to perform multiple functions.) (4-17-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-s-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-jl-skinner-starts-the-season-as-the-superior-safety-prospect/
2023 NFL Draft: Highlighting risers and fallers on the PFF draft board (FALLERS - S CHRISTOPHER SMITH, GEORGIA (Previous rank: 94, New rank: 131) - Bottom Line: Smith is on the smaller side for a safety and isn’t the kind of player you want in the box consistently. But he is one of the best in the class at filling from deep and making a ton of plays on the back end.) (4-11-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-biggest-risers-and-fallers-on-the-pff-draft-board
2023 NFL Draft: The top 9 safeties (6. Christopher Smith II, Georgia (Height: 5′ 11″ (19th percentile) Weight: 192 (6th), 40-Yard Dash: 4.62 (26th), 10-Yard Split: 1.56 (55th), Bench Press: 15 reps (33rd), Broad Jump: 116″ (20th), Arm Length: 31⅛” (32nd), Hand Size: 9⅝” (72nd)) - Bio: The Georgia Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year as a senior for Hapeville Charter High School in Atlanta, Smith helped his high school team win a state title and then stayed close to home with the Bulldogs. Over five seasons at Georgia, Smith had no sacks, eight pressures, 109 tackles, 33 stops, and allowed 47 catches on 74 targets for 483 yards, 218 yards after the catch, three touchdowns, six interceptions, seven pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 61.9. Brown played 1,270 snaps at free safety, 413 in the slot, 259 in the box, 21 at cornerback, and two along the defensive line. Stat to Know: Against passes of 20 or more air yards in 2022, Smith allowed four catches on seven targets for 131 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions… and two more dropped interceptions. Strengths: We’ll start with one of those deep interceptions (against LSU), because here is where Smith’s ability to read a quarterback’s intentions and break on the ball shows up. If you’re a quarterback trying to get a deep ball past him, you’d better look him off. Telegraphing the throw will lead to disaster on your part. Smith’s anticipatory abilities also allow him to come down from the deep third on shorter passes, and steal them away. Oregon’s Bo Nix discovered this the hard way. And while he isn’t the biggest safety in his class, Smith has no issue coming down and making tackles for loss if the need arises. His playing personality is pretty fearless, and he has the closing speed to back it up. Weaknesses: Smith’s NFL coaches will want to work with him on his tackling technique. He had 11 missed tackles last season and 23 in his Georgia career, and there are some real howlers on his tape. Would Smith lose some of his explosiveness in the back third if he put on 10 pounds of muscle? I don’t know, but maybe he’d be more comfortable squaring up to running backs in power situations. Conclusion: If you’re looking for a pure deep safety in the draft, you could do a lot worse than Smith from a skill set and traits perspective. He fits the prototype of what you want. But as a slot defender or box guy who needs to be physical in the tackling phase of the game, Smith may leave a lot of teams wanting. Coverage is his game, and he’s good enough when it comes to stickiness and recovery speed to make the most of things even if he’s beaten at the start of the route. NFL Comparison: Quandre Diggs. The Lions selected Diggs in the sixth round of the 2015 draft out of Texas, and Diggs became a top-tier overhang defender and deep-third eraser. Not that Diggs is a bad tackler or run defender per se, but you really want him in the back end of your defense most of the time, and I think that Smith will present the NFL with a similar profile.) (3-30-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-top-11-safeties-brian-branch-sydney-brown-jl-skinner/
Georgia Pro Day 2023 News, Rumors: Will Jalen Carter Be in Attendance? (Christopher Smith, S: Many prospects at the NFL Combine end up resting on their testing numbers, but there’s incentive for safety Christopher Smith to test again at the Georgia Pro Day. Smith was a highly-regarded player who underwhelmed in Indianapolis, putting up a 4.62 40-yard dash, a 33″ vertical, and a 9’8″ broad jump at 5’10 5/8″ and 192 pounds. One of Smith’s biggest knocks has always been that he isn’t an elite physical talent, but his testing still surprised at the Combine. A 1.56 10-yard split over the 80th percentile provided some reason for optimism, but Smith still stands to gain something from improving his numbers at his pro day.) (3-14-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/georgia-pro-day-2023-news-rumors-will-jalen-carter-be-in-attendance/
2023 NFL Draft: Every top-10 safety's highest-graded season (CHRISTOPHER SMITH, GEORGIA (Big board rank: 94/S6, Best PFF grade: 71.5 - 2021, 2021 Coverage grade: 81.6, 2021 Run-defense grade: 64.5, 2021 Pass-rush grade: 57.4)) (3-10-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-every-top-10-safetys-highest-graded-season
Best safeties available in the 2023 NFL Draft and free agency (6. Christopher Smith, Georgia (94): Christopher Smith was an integral piece for the back-to-back national champions and posted three straight years of overall grades above 74.7.) (3-9-23): https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-best-safeties-2023-nfl-draft-2023-free-agency
NFL Draft Prospects 2023: Biggest Risers, Fallers After NFL Combine Include Zack Kuntz, Deonte Banks (Biggest Fallers From the NFL Combine - Christopher Smith, S, Georgia: We should preface by saying this: Christopher Smith is absolutely a good football player, who shows more functional athleticism on tape and should be safely drafted in April. But overall, at 5’10 5/8″ and 192 pounds, his numbers — a 4.62 40-yard dash, a 33″ vertical, and a 9’8″ broad jump — were noticeably underwhelming. He’ll slide a bit after this.) (3-6-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-combine-risers-fallers-monday-2023/
NFL scouting combine winners and losers by the numbers: Defense (Loser: For the most part, it wasn’t a great day for the top safety prospects at the combine. Georgia’s Christopher Smith has been a three-year starter for the back-to-back national champs. His combine was one to forget, though. Smith is very undersized for the position at 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds. He didn’t make up for his lack of stature either, as his 40-yard dash (4.62 seconds), vertical jump (33 inches) and broad jump (9-foot-8) were all below the 46th percentile for safeties.) (3-7-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-scouting-combine-winners-losers-defense
2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Stock up, stock down for every position (Stock Down: Christopher Smith, Georgia Bulldogs - Smith is one of the most experienced players in this class, slotting in as a starting safety for the back-to-back champs in each of the past three seasons. His combine was one to forget, though. Smith is very undersized for the position at 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds. He didn’t make up for his lack of stature, either, as his 40-yard dash (4.62 seconds), vertical jump (33 inches) and broad jump (9-foot-8) were all below the 46th percentile for safeties. Smith could slip to Day 3 after his week in Indianapolis.) (3-6-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-scouting-combine-stock-up-stock-down-every-position-nfl-draft
2023 NFL Combine Stock Report - Defensive Backs (Up - Christopher Smith, S, Georgia: It's unusual for a Georgia player to run poorly, but Christopher Smith did so, recording a 4.62 40 at just 5-11, 192. However, Smith was superb in the on-field drills, so he may have helped himself despite the poor testing numbers.)(3-4-23): https://walterfootball.com/combine2023stockDB.php
NFL Combine results: 7 standouts from the safeties group (Christopher Smith, Georgia (5-foot-10 1/2, 192, 4.62) is another slot safety hybrid to keep an eye on in the draft. His transitions during drills looked easy, and as the drills went on, he looked smoother and his hands improved.) (3-3-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/4/23623427/2023-nfl-combine-results-7-standouts-safeties-draft
NFL combine: Winners and losers from DB workouts (Losers - Christopher Smith III, S, Georgia: Smith spent a long time patrolling the deep middle on some epically-loaded Kirby Smart defenses at Georgia. Captain. He probably crushed his team interviews. Running 4.66 with a 33-inch vertical and 9-foot-8 broad jump don't scream big-time athlete, which will hurt his otherwise squeaky clean draft stock.) (3-3-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-2023-christian-gonzalez-deonte-banks-among-winners-and-losers-in-defensive-back-group/
NFL Combine preview: 8 safeties the Lions should be watching (Christopher Smith, Georgia, 5-foot-11, 195: Smith is so good in coverage, I almost included him in my cornerbacks article as another option behind Brian Branch as a nickel corner. He’s an incredibly hard worker, pushes his body to the limits, and is fearless when attacking downhill, despite his size. His frame and instincts as a deep safety have pushed him down draft boards—typically estimated to be in the third-round range—but he would be a plug-and-play slot corner for the Lions, and is a player I’d feel comfortable seeing the Lions grab with any of their Day 2 picks.) (3-1-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/1/23615530/2023-nfl-combine-preview-8-safeties-detroit-lions-watch
2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Safety (6. CHRISTOPER SMITH, GEORGIA - BIG BOARD RANK: 77) (2-22-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-safety
Bulldogs Continue to Impress in Senior Bowl Practices (Safety Christopher Smith, excelled in 1-on-1 coverage drills against opposing wideouts and even knocked the helmet off a receiver in a pass skelly drill.) (2-2-23): https://www.si.com/college/georgia/news/bulldogs-continue-impress-senior-bowl-practices
TWENTYMAN: Senior Bowl Day 1 observations (Defensive play: The Lions are on the lookout for playmakers on defense, and a few emerged from the National Team practice in the afternoon. Alabama safety DeMarcco Hellams (6-0, 213) and Pittsburgh linebacker Dennis Sirvocea (6-0, 218) recorded interceptions. Georgia safety Christopher Smith II (5-10, 180) made a couple nice plays in the passing game as well.) (1-31-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/senior-bowl-day-1-observations-jones-foskey-carter
2023 Senior Bowl preview: 4 players to watch for Detroit Lions (Christopher Smith: DB, Georgia - It’s always good draft scouting practice to look at Georgia Bulldog defenders, but Smith’s evaluation goes beyond the jersey he wore at college. Smith worked his way into the starting lineup after spending two years as a gritty special teamer, before becoming one of the Bulldogs’ most steady players in the secondary, playing alongside 2022 NFL Draft standout Lewis Cine. Smith excelled at safety (and some nickel corner) last year even without Cine, tallying five tackles for loss, five passes defended and a team-leading three interceptions. As for his fit with the Lions, our own Erik Schlitt profiled Smith back in November and tagged him as a versatile safety/nickel defender that could fill Will Harris’ role if the Lions choose not to re-sign the defensive back. Another positional versatile defensive back who can line up all over the secondary, making his biggest impact in the slot. A two-and-a-half-year starter at Georgia, Smith returned for his senior season to try and boost his draft stock. Lions fit: Like with (Illinois DB) Quan Martin, the Lions could use some versatility in the secondary, especially in the slot.) (1-31-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/1/31/23578645/2023-senior-bowl-preview-4-players-to-watch-detroit-lions
Thor's 2023 Senior Bowl Preview (Most to Gain: Christopher Smith - Smith is another safety we got to see in various alignments in college. Georgia used him as a free safety, as a nickel defender, and as an extra body in the box. His best position is as a defensive center fielder with the game unfolding in front of him. Smith gets good reads on the quarterback, and crashes downhill quickly when the ball is in the air. No matter where he’s aligned, he’s an enthusiastic run defender. Smith’s concerns are mostly things he can’t do anything about. He’s a 5-foot-11, 195-pound safety with short arms. His willingness and physicality in the run game are at times trumped by his lack of pop at the contact point and small tackling radius – Smith’s 14.6% career missed tackle rate is an area of concern. In Mobile, Smith figures to impress scouts with his on-field IQ, play style, and ability to handle multiple positions across the formation. Can he show enough at one of those positions to lock himself into Day 2?) (1-30-23): https://www.fantasypros.com/2023/01/2023-senior-bowl-preview-defense/
Top Safeties at the 2023 Senior Bowl Include Jammie Robinson and JL Skinner (3. Christopher Smith, Georgia: Roaming freely for the Georgia Bulldogs’ defense, Christopher Smith made a name for himself in 2022 after four years of sound play prior. Smith has terrific speed and instincts, making plays in coverage on defenders that weren’t even in his coverage zone. Smith isn’t afraid to test pass catchers over the middle of the field and has a knack for making plays close to the line of scrimmage. If he can showcase his coverage skills against the receivers at the Senior Bowl, he’ll help his NFL draft stock out immensely.) (1-27-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-safeties-at-the-2023-senior-bowl/
Christopher Smith Can Shine At Senior Bowl (1-26-23): https://thedraftnetwork.com/christopher-smith-senior-bowl-shine/
2023 NFL Draft Stock - Post-New Year's Day Bowls (Up - Chris Smith, S, Georgia: Smith was a solid backed defender for Georgia over the past few seasons. In 2022, he has 57 tackles, one sack, three interceptions and five pass breakups. In 2021, he recorded 34 tackles, three interceptions and four passes broken up. Smith is undersized and might be more of a backup and special teams contributor at the next level.) (1-10-23): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_19.php
Georgia vs. TCU: Top prospects to watch in the National Championship Game (Georgia S Christopher Smith II: A hard-hitting playmaker with impressive range and versatility, Smith is exactly the kind of safety today’s NFL teams are desperate to find.) (1-9-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/georgia-tcu-national-championship-game-nfl-draft-prospects/
Georgia vs. TCU 2023 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch in College Football Playoff National Championship (Christopher Smith, S, Georgia: Christopher Smith is one of the more underrated safeties in the nation. Entering the season with middle-round grades, he’s developed into a complete player at the position. The ability to stop Quentin Johnston over the middle of the field or quickly get to the flanks and assist Georgia cornerbacks in deep coverage will only enhance his draft stock.) (1-9-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/georgia-vs-tcu-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-national-championship/
2023 NFL Draft: Prospect Matchups to Watch in the National Championship Game (TCU WRs Derius Davis, Taye Barber vs. Georgia S Christopher Smith: Both receivers will face a tough test on the back end. Christopher Smith isn’t much bigger, but he’s an extremely smooth and intelligent defensive back with the versatility to both play in space and mirror Davis and Barber off of stems.) (1-9-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospect-matchups-to-watch-in-the-national-championship-game/
Top 2023 NFL Draft prospects to watch in the national championship game (S CHRIS SMITH, GEORGIA : Smith is another senior prospect on Georgia’s roster, and he’s having such a good season that you wonder how he is still at the college level going into his upperclassman year. The strong safety is having an all-around strong season with an 84.0 run-defense grade, a 75.7 pass-rush grade and a 73.1 coverage grade. He packs a punch at contact at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, and should be a major part of Georgia's run defense.) (1-9-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-national-championship-game-georgia-tcu
Scouting Georgia vs. TCU: The top NFL draft prospects to watch (While Washington certainly looks the part of a future early-round NFL draft pick, three of Georgia's better players — redshirt senior quarterback Stetson Bennett (5-foot-11, 190 pounds), redshirt sophomore wide receiver Ladd McConkey (6-foot, 185) and redshirt senior safety Christopher Smith (5-foot-11, 190) possess significantly less-imposing frames and yet still rank highly with scouts. Bennett looks more like an accountant for an NFL player than one himself, but his anticipation, accuracy and instincts have turned critics into believers over the past two seasons. Similarly, what McConkey may lack in size he makes up for with sharp routes and soft hands. Smith, meanwhile, led the Bulldogs with three interceptions this season, and it isn’t difficult to see why. He’s cat-quick for a safety, attacking downhill and showing the loose hips and light feet to handle deep coverage duties. All three will ultimately play in the NFL, with Washington — who is questionable for the championship after sustaining an injury against Ohio State — easily the highest-rated of the bunch. ) (1-6-23): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/the-must-see-nfl-prospects-playing-in-the-national-championship
2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 safety prospects (8. CHRISTOPHER SMITH, GEORGIA (RS SENIOR | 5-11, 195) (2022 PFF Grade: 77.2, Play Style: Rangy Deep Safety, Initial Round Projection: Late Day 2): Smith can really cover some ground. He’s one of the best true backend players in the draft class. His ability to get sideline to sideline, as well as downhill in the run game from a deep alignment, will serve him well at the next level. His 2022 tape is littered with such splash plays, as he attacks with no fear despite being on the smaller end for the position. That size does show up at points as a tackler, though. He’s missed 14.9% of his tackle attempts in his career and will have some ugly ones when asked to wrap up from a standstill. That’s obviously not as big a deal in a deep role, but the team drafting him may have to accept some role limitations.) (1-6-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-top-10-safety-rankings
2023 Senior Bowl: Who will rise up NFL draft boards in Mobile? Keep an eye on these 10 prospects (6. Christopher Smith, S, Georgia (5-11, 195): The Bulldogs' defensive leader will have his hands full with Ohio State's offense, watching for Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud to look for sophomore receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. downfield and also shadowing tight end Cade Stover. The fifth-year player always seems to make big plays in big games, though, so don't be surprised if he picks off a pass, as he did against Oregon in the much-ballyhooed 2022 season opener, against LSU in the SEC title game and in last year's national championship game win over Alabama.) (12-30-22): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-senior-bowl-who-will-rise-up-nfl-draft-boards-in-mobile-keep-an-eye-on-thes
Top 10 S in the 2023 NFL Draft: Brian Branch Emerging as the Top Prospect (4. Christopher Smith, Georgia: One of the few holdovers from the legendary 2021 Georgia Bulldogs defense, senior safety Christopher Smith put together another stellar campaign on the back end, racking up three interceptions and five pass deflections while helping Georgia return to the College Football Playoff. At just under 5’11” and 195 pounds, Smith doesn’t have the elite size or length that’s often coveted from safeties in the present. But his foundational skills — functional athleticism, fluidity, high-level instincts, and playmaking ability — will guarantee a place for him in an NFL secondary.) (12-26-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-s-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-jl-skinner-starts-the-season-as-the-superior-safety-prospect/
2023 NFL Draft: Reacting to the AP All-American First Team Selections (Meanwhile, Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders, Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III, Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and Georgia safety Christopher Smith are all in the running for the first round. Sanders and Witherspoon surprised some this year with their extraordinary play, and NFL scouts are studying them closely to see if they each merit first-round selection. In addition, Smith is one to watch in the pre-draft process; teams will be interested in how well he tests in the speed and agility drills at the NFL Scouting Combine. But the fact remains that Smith is one of the savvier back-seven defenders in the 2023 class.) (12-18-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-reacting-to-the-ap-all-american-first-team-selections
2022 All-SEC College Football Team and Individual Honors (All-SEC Defense Honors - Safety of the Year: Christopher Smith, Georgia. First-Team All-SEC Defense - S: Christopher Smith, Georgia) (12-6-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/all-sec-college-football-team-and-individual-honors-2022/
2023 NFL Draft: My college football All-Senior Teams (Christopher Smith, Georgia (5-11, 195): A leader of the nation's fourth-ranked defense, Smith has made big plays the past two years, intercepting a pass against Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship last season and picking off a throw in this year's opener against Oregon. His INT set up the Bulldogs' third touchdown, putting the game out of reach for the Ducks. The Bronco Nagurski Award finalist (top defensive player) might not be the biggest or fastest safety in the draft class, but his recognition skills and toughness as a tackler will allow him to earn a starting job early in his pro career.) (12-2-22): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-my-college-football-all-senior-teams
Week 10 NFL Draft Prospect Battles To Watch: Kayshon Boutte, Eli Ricks Square Off (That said, Kelee Ringo has the size, physicality, and athleticism to lock down Tillman. Christopher Smith will also be a looming threat in zone with his intelligence and closing speed. Both Ringo and Smith are quality DB prospects, and Ringo has first-round aspirations. This is a prove-it game for Tillman, but it’s also a big game for Ringo, whose discipline and top-end range will be tested by Tillman’s tenacity and Hyatt’s speed.) (11-5-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospect-battles-to-watch-cfb-week-10-2022/
2023 NFL Draft Prospects Watch Week 10: Can Christopher Smith and Julius Brents Tame Tennessee and Texas? (Christopher Smith, DB, Georgia: Tennessee’s trip to Athens to take on Georgia is the game of college football Week 10. It has dramatic permutations for the destination of the SEC Championship, the College Football Playoff, and ultimately the CFB National Championship. It might sound hyperbolic, but there isn’t a bigger game in the college football season, and you can watch it with a free trial of fuboTV. There’s also a plethora of 2023 NFL Draft prospects to watch out for when the No. 1 ranked Volunteers face the reigning national champions. No player has a greater opportunity to catapult their draft stock in this game than Georgia defensive back Christopher Smith. The Vols’ free-scoring offense, led by Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt, has been unstoppable this year. The ground game starring Jabari Small has been an underrated component of their success. Halting the Vols’ seemingly inevitable march toward the playoffs would be a feather in the cap of the Bulldogs’ strong safety. While he might be considered on the small size at 5’11” and 190 pounds, Smith plays the game with a brutal physicality that allows him to make plays down in the box. Bolstering a bravado that is becoming of elite defensive backs, Smith has the athletic profile to be an efficient playmaker in multiple alignments and phases of defense. A fast and fluid athlete, he also has the football instincts to ensure he’s in position to frequently impact the play.) (11-5-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-cfb-week-10-2022/
Week 9 NFL Draft Prospect Battles To Watch Include Anthony Richardson vs. Christopher Smith (Florida QB Anthony Richardson vs. Georgia S Christopher Smith: If we had to make a discernment now, we’d lean toward Anthony Richardson returning to school in 2023. But there’s still time for the Florida QB to show linear progression in the latter stages of the 2022 season. And kicking off that progression against a talented Georgia defense would be a great way to go about it. Richardson won’t have Jalen Carter lined up across from him, but he will face the challenge of throwing against a secondary with several early-round talents — including the severely underrated Christopher Smith, whose versatility, game IQ, and playmaking ability make him a threat in multiple spots.) (10-29-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospect-battles-to-watch-cfb-week-9-2022/
2023 NFL Draft: Midseason College Football All-Prospect Team (S: CHRISTOPHER SMITH, GEORGIA: This is far from a banner safety class, and the best ones at the collegiate level are manning the slot. That said, Christopher Smith and Rashad Torrence II have upped their stock with their performances this season. Smith has been outstanding in coverage, allowing only four catches on nine targets for 27 yards. He’s added two picks and a pass breakup, as well.) (10-13-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-scouting-notebook-midseason-college-football-all-prospect-team
2023 NFL Draft: Top 25 Senior Bowl prospects entering Week 3 of college football season (19. Christopher Smith, S, Georgia (5-11, 195): Smith starred for the Bulldogs in their 49-3 romp over Oregon at a virtual home game in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He attacked run plays early on, making a tackle for loss after he recognized the play early and flew to the ball. Smith was called for a horse-collar tackle in the second quarter, but on the next play, he read the Ducks' routes and eyes of quarterback Bo Nix for an interception. Unfortunately, Smith suffered an injury that he later called a stinger in the third quarter and exited the game. He recorded one assisted tackle in the team's 33-0 win over Samford last week, as Georgia was able to give its starters rest due to the lopsided score.) (9-16-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-top-25-senior-bowl-prospects-entering-week-3-of-college-football-
2023 Big Board Risers And Sliders: Zay Flowers, Brant Kuithe Impress In Week 1 (Christopher Smith, S, Georgia: Our lone defender this week had a huge game during Georgia’s rout of Oregon, including an interception early as the Ducks were trying to get back in the contest. Besides his interception, Christopher Smith finished with six tackles, including one for loss, and one pass breakup. Smith looked dominant in all facets of the safety position and showed great instincts. While I graded him as a very early fourth-round pick before the season, scouts feel Smith could slide into the draft’s second day, and at least for today, they were proven correct.) (9-7-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-big-board-risers-sliders-week-1/
College Football Week 1: PFF Team of the Week & Player Awards (PFF TEAM OF THE WEEK Defense - S: Christopher Smith, Georgia Bulldogs) (9-7-22): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-1-pff-team-of-the-week-player-awards
Five takeaways from Week 1 of college football (It was Georgia’s front seven that powered one of the best defenses in recent memory last year, but it was the secondary that shined on Saturday. Christopher Smith was the highest-graded FBS safety in Week 1, with a 92.1 grade, while true freshman Malaki Starks finished with an 85.5 mark that ranked seventh-best. Georgia allowed just 173 passing yards as a whole, averaging fewer than five yards per attempt.) (9-7-22): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-five-takeaways-week-1-2022
Top 10 performances from 2023 NFL Draft prospects in Week 1 of the college football season (3. S CHRISTOPHER SMITH, GEORGIA (VS. OREGON): You don’t often see open-field tackles from safeties like the one Smith made against Oregon. And when you do, it’s usually from guys playing in the NFL. Smith finished the Bulldogs' butt-whooping with a pick and a pass breakup to go along with five tackles without a miss. It’s difficult to have too much better of a day at the safety position.) (9-6-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-10-performances-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-week-1-college-football
Week 1 College Football Team of the Week: Todd Centeio, Kris Thornton usher JMU into the FBS (Safety: Christopher Smith, Georgia: The Georgia defenders didn’t quite have to do their best work against the Bo Nix-led Oregon Ducks. But Christopher Smith certainly stood out among his peers. As impressive as his interception was, Smith’s best play came on a throw over the middle of the field to Chase Cota. Despite a botched coverage assignment that allowed Cota to streak open up the seam, Smith laid a beautifully-timed hit on Cota that jarred what would’ve been a sure chunk gain loose for an incompletion. That play set the tone for the rest of the game for Georgia in a drubbing of the Ducks.) (9-4-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-1-college-football-team-of-the-week-2022/
Watch: Highlights from Georgia's top draft prospects vs. Oregon (9-3-22): https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-georgia-oregon-jalen-carter-kendall-milton/
Georgia’s 2023 NFL Draft prospects led by Jalen Carter, Kelee Ringo (Christopher Smith, S: No other returning player in the Georgia secondary had more interceptions than safety Christopher Smith last season. The 5’11, 190-pound fifth-year DB made several key plays for the defensive unit that helped Georgia to the national title. While his frame and play strength might count against him in the 2023 NFL Draft safety class, Smith has plenty of enticing athletic upside. He’s a fluid mover with the play speed to patrol the deep third. Smith also flashed impressive play diagnosis skills during last season.) (6-14-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/georgias-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-led-by-jalen-carter-kelee-ringo/
Safeties to watch for the 2023 NFL draft (Christopher Smith, Georgia: Christopher Smith was a standout at cornerback for Hapeville Charter Career Academy in Atlanta, where he helped lead his high school team to a 14-1 record and the Georgia High School Association Class AA title in 2017. Both 247Sports and Rivals rated him as a four-star prospect at cornerback, and he decided to stay in-state to play for the Bulldogs. After playing in a reserve role and on special teams his first two seasons, he enjoyed a bit of a breakout during the 2020 campaign. That season, Smith played in all ten games for Georgia, stepping into the starting lineup midway through the year. He recorded 26 total tackles and four quarterback pressures. He started 11 games for Georgia last season, finishing the year with 35 total tackles, four pass breakups, three interceptions and a pair of quarterback pressures. His first career interception came in the season-opening win over Clemson, and it was a critical play for the Bulldogs, as it broke a scoreless tie. Smith reads this play perfectly, jumping the route and putting the first points of the season on the board for the Bulldogs.) (5-25-22): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/safeties-watch-list-2023-nfl-draft-jordan-battle-jalen-catalon/
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