Day 1,179, Quasi-Quarantine: The 'Fins Target a Raw Corner Prospect With First 2023 Draft Pick

While most assumed Miami would pull the trigger on an offensive lineman with its No. 51 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, the 'Fins instead used their second-rounder on South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith.

In February, the 6-1, 180-pounder was considered the No. 51 overall player (exactly where he ended up being picked!) by draft analyst Dane Brugler, who tabbed him as the No. 4 corner at that point. Post-combine, Brugler had him as the No. 66 overall player and the No. 10 cornerback, assigning him a second-/third-round grade. 

The pluses: A capable tackler who plays with swagger, Smith uses explosive athleticism (4.43-yard 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical) to play the boundary or the nickel. A three-year starter at South Carolina, he led the SEC in pass breakups with 14 in 2021. Smith exhibits good closing burst that makes him a better fit for a zone scheme -- the preferred system of new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

The negatives: The lanky Smith can get overpowered by stronger receivers, which can lead to grabbiness -- he was flagged 11 times last year. He struggles to get off blocks, still has work to do in anticipating routes, and has the phrases "wild tendencies" and "unrefined technique" in his scouting report -- sub-optimal for a second-round selection.

Smith recorded just 27 tackles, six pass breakups, and a single interception as a redshirt junior, failing to build on the previous season that saw him emerge as a major draft prospect. He blocked a field goal, but does not have a ton of special-teams experience. Smith missed a game with a concussion and opted out of his team's bowl game, giving the sense that he did not close his college career in top form.

The bottom line: Smith is the kind of draft selection who looks better in the context of who will be coaching him. He's a strong fit for a Fangio scheme, and the Dolphins have a heavy need at this spot based on Byron Jones's mysterious (and potentially career-ending) injury, Xavien Howard's gradual decline, and the number of reserve defensive backs coming off of injury.

Will Fangio be able to help Smith translate his rare traits into consistent contributions? Will the youngster find enough reps behind Howard, Jaylen Ramsey, Kader Kohou, and potentially Nik Needham? 

There is a sense that there were more polished talents available in this coveted second-round position, and the lack of investment in offensive linemen was frustrating. However, Miami has been awful at drafting along the OL anyway, so it's certainly understandable to use the choice on a high-ceiling cornerback. Whether Smith represents not only the right position to invest in but the right corner to invest in will be a very interesting storyline to follow this year and beyond.