Ohio State Football: How Shaun Wade can save his 2021 NFL Draft stock

How Shaun Wade can save his draft stock

It is understandable why Wade does not want to play in the nickel again in 2020, as nickels do not usually get drafted in the top-100. However, outside cornerback fulltime is not working out for Wade as his draft stock is plummeting. There is one other option, however.

Move to safety.

Looking at the strengths of Wade, this may be the perfect transition for the redshirt junior as he looks to salvage what is left of his 2020 season. In 2019, Wade thrived in man coverage against slot receivers and tight ends; he has been getting bullied by traditional X wide receivers.

He is also proficient in zone coverage, and works well with what is in front of him. Most importantly, however, Wade is a good open field tackler, which he displayed in 2019 in the nickel and in space.

All of these traits are displayed in some of the nation’s best safeties at both the college and professional level. Like that of Oregon’s Jevon Holland, Wade can rebuild his reputation as one of the nation’s top defenders in the secondary with a tweak to his role. This 2021 class of safeties is not stacked at the top either, so should Wade make a smooth transition, he could immediately become a top safety in the class.

The question remains, however: would Wade or the coaching staff be up for the move?