2023 NFL Draft Prospect Watch: Cornerback Cam Smith v. Quarterback KJ Jefferson
By Hunter Haas
2023 NFL Draft Prospect Watch: Cam Smith v. KJ Jefferson
The South Carolina Gamecocks struggled early in week one but went on to secure victory behind the effort of their defense and special teams. Cornerback Cam Smith made his presence felt in the contest, even if his stat line doesn’t show it.
Smith recorded two solo tackles and failed to record a pass breakup. The reason for this? He didn’t allow his assignment to ever get open. The best quality that Smith possesses is his picturesque form as a cover cornerback.
Smith is not as elite of an athlete as others at the position, but he’s got more than enough to cover every inch of the field. Multiple times against Georgia State, Smith could be seen flying from the opposite side of the field to get to the ball carrier.
In terms of coverage, Smith is never found out of position. He leverages the sideline perfectly whenever he’s on an island with a receiver and spends time as a slot defender when the game calls for it. These traits are what make him such a highly-touted 2023 NFL Draft prospect.
This week he will face much stiffer competition, as the Gamecocks travel to Arkansas to take on KJ Jefferson and the Razorbacks. With all due respect to Georgia State, SEC matchups carry much more weight when it comes to evaluating a player.
Arkansas is the No. 16 team in the country entering week two of the college football season. They are coming off of an impressive victory against the Cincinnati Bearcats to open the season.
Quarterback KJ Jefferson should receive an immense amount of credit for the win, as he recorded 223 passing yards and three touchdowns through the air, in addition to his 62 rushing yards, which included a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
Three different receivers recorded at least three catches and 42 yards, with Trey Knox hauling in two touchdowns and Jadon Haselwood grabbing the other. Raheim Sanders gave Jefferson a safety blanket to turn around and hand the ball off too as well.
Jefferson enters his second season as the starter for Arkansas after starting 13 games and leading the squad to a 9-4 record in 2021. He won the Outback Bowl MVP following the team’s bowl victory against the Penn State Nittany Lions.
In terms of NFL potential, Jefferson is one of the more polarizing signal-callers. He has the size to hold up throughout an entire season, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 242 pounds. His dual capabilities and massive arm are the qualities that stand out when watching Jefferson.
He will have to show that his progressions and pocket presence have improved since 2021, but things are set up perfectly for Jefferson to put his name on the 2023 NFL Draft radar. With multiple ranked opponents still on the schedule, Jefferson should have eyes pointed in his direction in nearly every game of the 2022 season.
Cam Smith and KJ Jefferson already have a strong resume based on their 2021 seasons, but they’re both looking to continue flying up the rankings with a strong 2022. On Saturday, they’re set for a collision course in Fayetteville. Tune in at Noon ET to see the two battle it out on ESPN.