Shaun Wade: The Enigma of the 2020 NFL Draft Class

Shaun Wade comes with the prototype build of a cornerback at 6’1” and 194lbs with excellent arm length to disrupt receivers. His biggest strength is how versatile he is which is a testament to his football acumen.

He effectively moves around the Ohio State secondary with few mental errors and consistently executes his assignments no matter where he is lined up. He has very good mental processing that allows him to show very good awareness as a zone defender whether he’s playing hook/curl drops from the nickel or playing half field coverages at the safety position.

He shows the ability to be a very good press man corner when he is tasked with the tough assignment of pressing in the slot. He uses his length to initially stab receivers and disrupt their timing, forcing them to widen off their route. He has excellent foot speed to carry crossers from slot speedsters such as Penn State’s K.J. Hamler, while also being able to run stride for stride on vertical routes.

Wade displays good hip fluidity when flipping his hips in press coverage and when he has to flip vertically without losing speed. Good quick and close abilities as a player who triggers instantly downhill when he diagnoses. Has the good short area quickness to close the space on receivers once the ball is thrown. Comes out of his breaks with balance and no false stepping. To top it all off, Wade has good ball skills to play the ball in the air, using his length to consistently compete with receivers at the catch point.

Wade is an elite run support player who takes on blocks with ease and sets a hard edge with very good strength at the point of attack. Sheds blocks consistently to put himself in position to be an elite tackler in space who misses very few tackles. He even adds a bonus trait as a very good blitzer who is able to time up his blitzes well and use his foot speed to put quick pressure on quarterbacks.