Breaker, I agree that if you are going to be a 5'9 corner nowadays, you better have elite athleticism or elite something to be able to mitigate your lack of length.
Wade has a few elite qualities IMO.
1. He is very strong, well built for a smaller DB. He is very good with his hands and he is able to redirect and grab guys when he plays press man very easily. He is tough to get away from at the line.
2. He has great short area quickness and he has great hip turn abilities. He is able to turn and run and his transitions are excellent. He is able to accelerate on the ball as good as anyone i've seen in the past couple years.
3. He has natural instincts and great hands. He makes a ass ton of plays in 7v7 compared to other corners. QB's don't even throw his way much and he is able to anticipate throws and jump routes and help others out. He makes a ton of plays like Cam does bc of excellent read and recognition.
4. He isn't afraid to come up and hit guys in the run game. He will not get shoved 15 yards down field like Buchanan did. He is much, much stronger and more physical.
These qualities IMO make up for a lack of elite deep speed and 5'9.
I don't buy into the measurables. Most of the best players in every sport are good athletes, but not the best pure physical athletes by any measure. Intelligence, good quickness, work ethic, and instincts are typically the traits that produce the best players across all positions and sports.
You need to have some elite qualities to be great though. Whether it is toughness, IQ, hands, instincts, work ethic, athleticism..... As long as you are elite in a couple of these categories, you can excel.
