Athletic Profile
Height: 6022
Weight: 238
Arm Length: 32 5/8”
40 Time: 4.39
10 Yard Split: 1.47
Vertical: 41 1/2”
Broad Jump: 1008
3-Cone: N/A
Shuttle: N/A
Relative Athletic Score: 9.23
* Indicates Recorded At Pro Day
Statistics
2022: 19 PRESSURES / 2 SCK / 15 RUNSTOP
2021: 28 PRESSURES / 7 SK / 27 RUNSTOP
Pros
Run Defense
Athletic Ability
Bend
Hand Power
Upside
Cons
Hand Counters
Limited Production
Polish
Size
Summary
Nolan Smith is another Georgia defender with top tier athleticism that is a little rough around the edges. In 4 years as a contributor for the Bulldogs defense he was only able to collect 17 sacks, giving him questionable production for a player of his talent. Smith uses a lightning quick first step to win with speed off the edge both as a rusher and in run defense. His ability to access and turn the corner with his excellent flexibility gives him a devastating upside as a rusher. The same flexibility is an advantage in the run game where he pairs it with his length to stonewall blockers on the edge. Given his size and speed rushing profile one would expect Smith to struggle as a run defender but he attacks with aggression on any action towards him often blowing up multiple blocks and following runs with his hair on fire. He plays with the aggression and fire you love from defenders and it’s something that's so hard to teach. Smith’s main concern is his lack of pass rush plan. He brings a lot of speed and power when he rushes but when he fails to win with athleticism early his rush often stalls. In 2022 he showed progress, occasionally flashing a swim move and club rip that takes advantage of his bend. Smith’s speed and bend off the edge alone makes him a first round caliber player but when you include run fits rare for a player of his size and an improving pass rush bag that should only grow deeper with reps he has an astronomical ceiling. Smith should step in Day 1 with the physical ability to hold up on the EDGE and provide rotational rushing skills. If a team is able to keep him progressing as a legit rusher with his tools he has the ability to be one of the biggest booms in this draft.
Grade: 6.70 - Mid to Late 1st Round Value (Potential Starter)
Games Watched: Alabama (2021), Clemson (2021), Kentucky (2021), Oregon (2022), South Carolina (2022)
Comp: Hasson Reddick