He can also be lethal when slanting with how quick and agile he is to throw off blockers' angels and get penetration. His hand usage can be cleaner and more coordinated, and he can stand to expand his pass-rushing arsenal. Smith hopes to get selected. At the same time, he is exceptionally raw. He did get more accurate with his hands from year-to-year, showing growth in that area. A 5-star recruit in the 2019 class, No. This never got better during his time at Georgia, which is concerning. But even more important in his competitive makeup is his natural leverage. Positives. However, he's certainly a run-first player, which has a distinct impact on his get-off in rushing situations. Nolan Smith NFL Draft Scouting Report EDGE, Georgia Bulldogs Nolan Smith is an emotional leader on and off the field for the Georgia Bulldogs. On passing downs, he times up the snap well and has good acceleration off the ball to win with speed. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). And his non-elite length is a limitation thats here to stay. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. the full scouting report for Smith on NFL Draft Bible, previously picked Jalen Carter with the No. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 6-2 Nolan Smith is a highly touted edge rusher from the University of Georgia who is expected to be a top prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. He's violent when shedding and has shown flashes of using his quickness to defeat blocks, too. In the right scheme and role, he could be a true defensive catalyst with more time to grow. He gets extension against offensive linemen pretty easily and will occasionally have them falling on their faces with how violent he is when shedding. Yet, he can be too reliant on bull rushes and speed-to-power moves. Has produced just 9 sacks over the last two years, despite being the number one edge rusher on the top defense in the country. Nolan Smith is one of the most enticing prospects in this draft. Banks (6-foot, 197 pounds) earned one of the top NGS athleticism scores (98) among prospects to . 1 recruit of the 2019 class, Smith has been a highly touted prospect for quite some time. MORE: PFNs FREE Mock Draft Simulator (With Trades). The Georgia edge rusher developed more pass-rushing moves and became dominant against the run. He was an elite athlete with a sturdy frame, oozing first-round potential. 1 overall recruit in the 2019 class. Edge-rusher Nolan Smith (No. Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles with the No. (AP Photo/John Amis). Eagles select Nolan Smith at No. He will need to work with trainers to fill out his frame and add some play strength while he is at it. Smith is hard to move off of his spot due to his technique and leverage, and he can be disruptive when firing into gaps. ALL YOU NEED IS A FREE TDN ACCOUNT TO START A MOCK. Smith continues a run of former Georgia Bulldogs being drafted to the Eagles, joining Carter, Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean over the past two classes. He can be more consistent and efficient employing his athleticism, and his speed to power, while solid, is hindered at times by his lack of elite mass and length. He will make his impact felt as a run defender and earn his keep, as he develops in the pass-rush department. Smith might have a tougher time holding up against the bigger and more physical offensive tackles at the next level with his lean frame, but he has plenty of room for growth to add 10 to 15 pounds. Smarts Bulldogs staff relentlessly recruited the nations top talent for years. Long story short, he has very few flaws against the run and has the upside to be even better with some added mass. Yet another talented edge rusher from the elite Georgia defense, Nolan Smith will look to prove he is as good as the other Bulldog defenders drafted before him. Odds and lines subject to change. Nolan Smith: Scouting Report Though undersized for a 3-4 outside linebacker at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, Smith has genuinely rare athletic traits. Going further, Smith shows glimpses of multitasking, and hes flashed the ability to use swift hand strikes and swipes while bending. Below is a list of mock drafts and where they have Smith going. Smith will be taken in the first round on potential alone. When slanting against the run, he covers so much ground laterally that he doesn't have to tip it with pre-snap alignment. But he triumphantly announced his return at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, logging a 4.39 40-yard dash, 41.5 vertical, and a 108 broad jump at his size. That's closer to how he was used in college, but he wasn't the best in coverage which could be an issue in that scheme at the next level. If you have a list of boxes to check, Smith checks most of them. Though undersized for a 3-4 outside linebacker at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, Smith has genuinely rare athletic traits. His stance can be more efficient, and he hesitates at times. Comments are closed. By Tom Ignudo. 1 overall, No. All Rights Reserved. See our ethics statement. OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 87. Good bend to turn a tight corner and take an efficient path to the quarterback after winning around the edge. And that same athleticism can allow Smith to be a space defender, as well as destroy outside gaps in run defense. Needs to be more consistent with the accuracy of his hand swipes when starting pass-rush moves. 9 overall pick. Named one of three team captains for the Vanderbilt game. H.S. Smith might have a tougher time holding up against the bigger and more physical offensive tackles at the next level with his lean frame, but he has plenty of room for growth to add 10 to 15 pounds. But if you have a vision for his role and development at the next level, the tools are almost second to none. Smith was arguably their greatest addition. He should not go lower than early in Round 2. Nolan Smith is a 6-3, 232-pound Weak-Side Defensive End from Savannah, GA. . He's not going to miss many tackles. He throws off the offensive lineman's angle while simultaneously dipping his shoulder to reduce the surface area to block, getting the lineman off-balance so he can get penetration. Smith doesnt have a full set of moves and counters to employ consistently. 35) round out the quintet. In 2019 as a freshman Smith saw action in 14 games and played a total of 287 snaps for the Bulldogs. One of the holdovers of the historic 2021 Georgia defense, Smith flashed the ability to take over in 2022 before an injury prematurely ended his season. Sign up for the The Draft Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. His athleticism is shown when asked to drop into coverage even in small instances but he does not look like a fish out of water. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelpline.ma.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Nolan Smith. The New Orleans Saints got back into the first round of the 2023 NFL draft, and have a wide range of ways that they could go with their selection. 26) and safety Christopher Smith (No. Injuries: 2021 (elbow, missed one game), 2022 (torn pec, season-ending surgery and missed every game after Week 9), Arrested for driving with a suspended license and speeding through a construction zone (misdemeanor) in January 2022, completed pre-trail diversion program in lieu of formal conviction, 2022 Honors: Second-team preseason All-American (Athlon Sports), 2021 Honors: Two-time SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week (Weeks 3 and 9), 2019 Honors: Georgia's Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year. Furthermore, he doesnt always play to his full explosive capacity off the line. Most mock drafts have him in the back half of the first round somewhere between 16-32. The Georgia EDGE has the tools to be dynamic in that phase. Nolan Smith NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Philadelphia Eagles' EDGE BR NFL Scouting Department April 27, 2023 AP Photo/John Bazemore HEIGHT: 6'2" WEIGHT: 238 HAND: 9" ARM: 32 5/8". Even after a long career at Georgia, Smith is still more of a projection than one would prefer. Impact upper tier Power 5 starter and No. The Georgia product does have a few traits and moves in his pass-rush arsenal that he can win with on passing downs, though. One year after a historic 2022 NFL Draft class, the Georgia Bulldogs are once again poised to dominate Round 1, and standout EDGE Nolan Smith is a crucial part of that development. The silver lining for Smith is this: Hes already an excellent run defender. Smith is very quick to reduce the space between him and the tackle. Smith is viewed in high regard by his teammates and coaches as a dynamic leader in the locker room. 30 The Eagles selected Nolan Smith at No. And with his speed off the ball and serviceable length, he can work speed to power, long-arm his blockers outside shoulder, and stack rips in quick succession. Hes a dense, compact defender who can shock blockers at the point of attack with precise and forceful hands. Sign up for the Lions Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Most effective when utilizing heavy hands to strike and shed, with a motor to give pursuit and clean up piles with at the end of plays. Nolan Smith is a highly touted edge rusher from the University of Georgia who is expected to be a top prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. That proved to be the breakthrough season for both him and the program with Smith recording eight tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as the Bulldogs secured their first national title since 1980. "Smith has a relatively thin frame, which may limit his contributions at the point of attack. 13), offensive tackle Broderick Jones (No. Projecting to his third year, Smith can be a full-time edge defender that will not come off the field. Georgia edge Nolan Smith might not be the top defensive prospect in the 2023 class, but he should make a case to be a top-10 pick. Has crazy speed and very good strength considering his 235lb frame. Hes very effective when the tackle opens his chest. In 38 career games, the speedy Smith totaled 12.5 sacks, 20 TFLs and 110 total tackles while forcing three fumbles and breaking up three passes. Can set the edge versus outside zone or as the force player against pullers on power and counter. He could afford to push vertical more on the tackle to help sell the game. Sign up to receive all the latest news and annoucements. His get-off is much slower and more deliberate on running downs, which makes it more difficult for him to win around the edge if the offense does pass and leads to a slower run-pass transition versus play action. The Georgia EDGE can make better use of attack angles coming downhill and can also be more consistent in attaining proper depth before attacking the pocket. Follow all of your favorite Michigan teams at Lions Wire, Wolverines Wire, Spartans Wire and the Detroit Free Press! If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500(VA). Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Lateral Quickness ( 2.5/4) - I don't see a ton of lateral quickness ability. In a modern NFL where coaches are becoming more and more open to versatility, Smith could perfectly fit the mold of a hybrid outside linebacker with SAM and on-ball pass-rushing capabilities. Weight: 238 pounds (Combine measurement) Smith is 22 years old. One of the holdovers from the 2021 Georgia defense, can edge rusher Nolan Smith crack Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft with his scouting report? Nolan Smith stole the show at the NFL Combineas he put up shocking number after shocking number. Impressive change of direction and quickness to win with inside and outside stick moves, especially if he can be more consistent with his use of hands. The B/R NFL. Eventual Starter. The Georgia product does have a few traits and moves in his pass-rush arsenal that he can win with on passing downs, though. Relative Athletic Score places him with a 9.24 composite out of 10 thanks to remarkable times in the 40-yard dash (4.39 seconds), vertical leap (41.5 inches), and broad jump (10-foot-8). Scouting Report Evaluated 08/23/2018. Luke Stampini Recruiting . Schematically, Smith's weight might be an issue for an even-front team that's looking for a more traditional, hand-in-the-ground defensive end. He employs effortless leverage acquisition in run defense and can combine pad level and agility with violent hand usage to deconstruct blocks. Check out the SI.com team page here. It all starts with Smiths freakish get-off, where he keys the center and times the snap very well and his explosive first step covers a lot of ground. Didn't look comfortable dropping into coverage. 6.4. As a true junior, Smith enjoyed success alongside Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt, and others, putting up 53 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 14 starts. That being said, he is unrefined with his hands to effectively defeat pass blocks with optimal quickness. (55%*), 238 "We have a trade" was a common refrain during the 2023 NFL draft. 30 overall, the second Georgia player taken in the first round of this draft by the team -- and third in the last four years. Teams will be betting big that they can unlock the talent of Smith, who has yet to emerge as the top pass rusher his athletic charts say he can be. The Georgia EDGE is a phenomenal run defender whos stronger than his frame suggests. . Production Score: 72. Due to his stellar run defense, Smith projects as a potential three-down defender in year one. Height-6022. Once the top-ranked recruit coming out of high school, Smith saw immediate action upon arrival in Athens. Nolan Smith's scouting report Athletic Ability (35) Speed/Athleticism: 15 Speed ( 7/7) - Excellent speed rush. NFL Draft profile scouting report for Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith. There are not many human beings walking around that look like him that can do the things he does from an athletic standpoint, and it is worth the risk should he develop into maximizing those gifts. Who will Panthers face in second round of 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs? But if a team thinks they'll be able to add size to his frame in their weight program, he's strong and physical enough as it is to get the job done. (21%*), 32 5/8 For someone who is only listed at 235 pounds, Nolan Smith is a lot stronger than you'd think and is surprisingly a better run defender than pass-rusher. He sets up his stick moves well by getting to square and giving himself a two-way go, and he has the bend to turn tight corners when winning around the edge. While Smiths arsenal is still in progress, he can effectively build off lateral bursts with quick swipes. Smith isnt perfect operationally yet, but he undoubtedly has the want-to. If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. Due to his stellar run defense, Smith projects as a potential three-down defender in year one. Smith has admirable flexibility where he can bend around the edges or slice across the blocker to win the inside track. Not only is Smith explosive, but he also has exceptional lateral mobility and short-area agility. Hes very good in coverage when looking into the backfield in zone coverage. Needs to be more consistent with the accuracy of his hand swipes when starting pass-rush moves. He brings a level of energy that is not easily replicated. (99%*), 128 (C) Not very effective in line games as the looper or penetrator. While not the most gifted of pass rushers, he can certainly get there eventually given his talent pool, and he is solid in run defense and pass coverage already. Can attack the edge with speed and has the flexibility to dip low and under the tackle's reach. (with WWEs Corey Graves). He shows off a hot motor both as a pass rusher and in pursuit. Form tackler, good pad level, wraps up and runs his feet through contact. Written by B/R NFL Draft Scout Matt Holder. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. 5-Star recruit per 247 Sports. Hes overly reliant on his first step, length, and power to overcome opponents, which can limit his ceiling to the next level. Off the jump, it is clear that Nolan Smith is immensely talented, with a height/weight/speed combination that is rare to find coming into the league. Hes dynamic, well-built, and he interviews well. He's not going to miss many tackles. He can also be lethal when slanting with how quick and agile he is to throw off blockers' angels and get penetration. Nolan Smith (LB - Georgia) 6'3 - 235 lbs. He is considered the third-best linebacker prospect in the draft. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Smith is unofficially listed at 6'3", 235 lbs. Philadelphia selected Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith with the 30th pick of the draft on Thursday after choosing his teammate, defensive tackle Jalen Carter, with the ninth pick earlier in the. All Rights Reserved. 30 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith. As he heads to the NFL, will professional evaluators have the same lofty opinion of his potential? According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Smith is a projected first-round pick. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. There is a bit of a disconnect between Smiths buzz as a prospect and his on-field production. Lets dive in and discuss. As a pass rusher, Smith uses his next-level speed to scream into offensive linemen and has enough bend to slip by blockers for immediate pressure. Smiths ability to work well in tight quarters or in a wide-nine alignment can put offensive tackles in conflict. Good bend to turn a tight corner and take an efficient path to the quarterback. He will make his impact felt as a run defender and earn his keep, as. Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. His punches land with the power to shock blockers but shedding is still a work in progress. Form tackler, good pad level, wraps up and runs his feet through contact. His power rushes can be easily absorbed and neutralized by stronger blockers. Philadelphia Eagles NFL Draft Grades 2023: Eagles Snag Another Georgia Defender in Kelee Ringo, Linebackers Drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, 2023 NFL Draft: Day 2 More Bizarre Than We Could Expect, 2023 NFL Draft: Biggest Round 1 Steals and Snubs Include Dalton Kincaid, Will Levis, and Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss | NFL Draft Scouting Report.