Shaun Wade and his stock for the 2021 NFL Draft

With Shaun Wade opting out of the season, let’s take a look at where his draft stock is, where it could be, and if opting out hurts him.

With Shaun Wade opting out of the season, let’s take a look at where his draft stock is, where it could be, and if opting out hurts, or helps him. Wade played a lot of slot coverage at Ohio State and this could hurt him in the overall draft. However, that being said, he has the athleticism and football IQ to be more, and I believe most teams will — and do — see this.

Starting with Wade’s physical tools, he is a player that has strong footwork and notable speed. His ability to flip his hips and stay on a defender in the slot will only help his case as NFL teams are looking for more flexibility and athleticism in today’s passing trend. His long speed jumps out in film and his ability to stay with receivers as they stack him is impressive.

Wade is also a physical defender and is willing to stick his nose in on the running game, but also get into a receiver for contested catches. He also does not make many “business decisions” when it comes to his tackling. All of these things signal good things from Wade looking at the 2021 NFL Draft.

On the recognition and football IQ side of the house, Wade seemingly recognizes routes well and plays the correct positioning when he sees the route develop. Watching him, one thing that sticks out is his ability to adjust to changing routes and option routes. This has served him well in the slot but shows he should be able to handle the outside as well.

Where Wade might hurt himself are questions about how he will look on the outside. Since he didn’t play out in space as much as scouts would like to have on film, they will have to trust his tape in the slot and what little boundary coverage he has. His ability to be physical helps him a ton, and he could find a home being used as a corner/safety hybrid with some work.

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Right now I have Wade a late first-rounder, to early second-rounder. The questions about his ability on the outside, or whether he is strictly a slot corner, will be the biggest questions. Without playing this season, he’ll want to work on some of these skills to showcase at the NFL combine for scouts.

However, Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have him as a top fifteen prospect. I guess it all depends on whether teams go by promise or what they’ve seen on tape.

There’s no doubt Wade has the film and tools to be a first-round pick, but the lack of a season could knock him down as NFL scouts do like going with what they know. His draft stock took a small hit opting out, but his skills should be strong enough to keep him in the discussion for one of the top three corners in the draft.

I could see him being a fit in Dallas if they do not keep Chidobe Awuzie. The Eagles could use some physicality at corner as well, but the best fit for him would be the Packers. The Packers need corners and Wade’s skills would fit their philosophy and scheme. It’s all about what teams slot in where though when it’s all said and done.

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