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Raiders Under Contract: S Christopher Smith II

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Aidan Champion | Last updated 1/24/24

Las Vegas Raiders safety Christopher Smith II was one of the few Raiders rookies to have a large impact for the club this season, but he could still have just as much upside as any of them.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith was signed by the Raiders to a $4-million rookie deal. He appeared in just 12 games for the Silver and Black this season, primarily as a special teams contributor. In fact, Smith didn't even take a defensive snap until Las Vegas' 63-21 conquering of the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15, the only game he was put on defensive (22 defensive snaps).

Make no mistake, though, Smith puts in the work, and we all know hard work pays off. The young defensive back is also learning from a great Raiders secondary with a lot of experience.It is only a matter of time until that experience behind the scenes translates to the gridiron on Sundays.

Smith was a key defensive asset on Georgia's national title teams in 2021 and 2022. In his final collegiate season, Smith totaled 61 combined tackles, five for losses, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble returned, three interceptions, three quarterback hits, and five passes defensed while starting in all 15 games. He was named to the 2022 All-SEC First Team by the Associated Press and coaches, as well as the AP, Football Writers Association of America, and Sporting News 2022 All-America First Team.

Smith was also named a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award, awarded annually to the nation's top defender.

In total, Smith recorded 133 combined tackles, five for losses, 16 passes defensed, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and six interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown in his 58 career games with the Bulldogs.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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