2021 NFL Draft: Three-round 2021 NFL mock draft with top 10 surprises
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 31st Overall
player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Shaun Wade. 31. 15. CB. Ohio State
The move to the outside has not gone particularly well for Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade this season. He has not been awful on the outside or anything like, but Wade is not a premier prospect at the position. That being said, we saw him dominate as a nickel cornerback and that still has plenty of value in the NFL.
The New Orleans Saints would love to find a shutdown outside cornerback with this pick, but Wade still makes plenty of sense for the team. Wade is a quick and athletic player who matches up well against nearly any receiver and shows great instincts in zone coverage. The Saints could use Wade primarily as a slot cornerback early in his career and try to grow him into an asset on the outside.
If that does not work out, Wade could still bring plenty of value to the mix as some sort of a safety/slot cornerback hybrid player who ranges around the field and makes plays all over the place. He is still a big and athletic defensive back who can make an impact on the game in a variety of ways.
The Saints are always a tough team to pick for in a mock draft. There are not many obvious needs on this roster and they want to find players who can help them immediately. Wade is undoubtedly a gifted player who could quickly become an important defensive piece for this team.