A potential first-rounder who is somewhat under the radar due to an injury, this Georgia Bulldog brings some impressive snarl in a smaller package.
Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 238 pounds (Combine measurement)
Smith is 22 years old
Nolan Smith arrived at Georgia as one of the top recruits in the country in 2019 and played immediately as a pass-rush specialist. He kept that primary role in his four years with the Bulldogs, becoming a full-time starter in 2021. 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.
Lions 2023 NFL draft profile: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Pros
- Very sudden off the snap with an excellent 1-2 step burst
- Outstanding athletic testing: 4.39 40-yard dash, 41.5″ vertical
- Plays stronger than his size would indicate
- Aggressive edge-setter versus the run who can anchor and stand up blockers with his leverage
- Has spatial awareness and decent instincts when dropping into coverage
- Good at getting off blocks and closing on the ball carrier in run defense
- Can work in concert with linemen and reacts quickly when given an opportunity to play off those inside moves
- Excelled on special teams early in his Georgia career
- Team captain
Cons
- Extremely undersized to be a full-time EDGE in the NFL and will almost have to play as a stand-up, wide-aligned OLB to rush the passer
- Short arms (32″) limit his tackle radius and wrapping ability
- Doesn’t play to his timed speed consistently
- Relies on initial jolting power to create space for himself, must develop countermoves and more variety
- Some tightness in his hips and ankles in turning the corner and in open-field pursuit
- Coming off a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery
- Low college production for such an athlete with talent around him to get him isolated blocking looks
Overall
Smith is a very impressive athlete with excellent playing strength for his size. He’s also proven to be a pretty good football player while at Georgia, though not necessarily in the expected way. Smith produced and impressed more as a run defender than as a pass rusher in college, and he’s a power-based player despite having elite speed and explosiveness for an EDGE.
It’s a weird amalgamation. Smith is unrefined, almost predictably boring, as a pass rusher, because he doesn’t use his speed or explosion effectively. This never got better during his time at Georgia, which is concerning. His lack of size and length are better-suited for a transition to more of a SAM backer than a full EDGE, though he doesn’t have the lateral agility or experience to play there right away.
In Detroit’s base 4-2-5, that’s a limited role. Smith could emerge as a more impactful pass rusher in the same position James Houston currently occupies. He should be a consideration at No. 18 overall, though his relative lack of production probably limits his interest from Detroit.
