Ohio State 2021 NFL draft player breakdown – Shaun Wade

As we reach the final three Ohio State Buckeyes eligible for the 2021 NFL Draft, we dive into hotly debated cornerback Shaun Wade.

The downside to drafting Shaun Wade

With all of the accolades coming into this season for Wade, he simply fell short. Granted, a strange off-season may have been part of the issue, Wade may just be better suited to be a slot corner which instantly lowers his draft stock. In man coverage, Wade at times didn’t mirror his receiver which led to big plays. For all of his athleticism gearing himself down hurts him on the outside.

A move to safety might help Wade as his ability to react and not cover on the outside might be a smart one. While Wade has experience on the outside and this does help his flexibility, a slot corner is usually not an early pick for most teams. Wade has a lot of technique for the outside that needs work, but a patient coaching staff could unlock all that potential.

Wade, right now, is a third-round pick due to his potential limitation to the slot. Should Wade announce his willingness to move to safety, he might see a bump in his draft stock. How he looks to scouts and how creative the team is will determine where Wade can go.

All Ohio State football players eligible for the 2021 NFL draft