The 2023 NFL offseason is here and that means it’s time for mock drafts, draft profiles and everything that goes with them. So without further ado, here’s one of many Draft Profiles for the 2023 NFL draft.
Nolan Smith, LB/EDGE, Georgia
HT: 6’2
WT: 238 lbs
Accolades:
• Named to preseason watch lists for the Outland Trophy (nation’s top interior lineman) and Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation’s top defender) 2021
• Second-team pre-season All-America selection by Athlon Sports 2021
• Twice named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week: vs. USC and Florida 2021
• Named one of three team captains for the Vanderbilt game. 2021
Video:
Pros:
• Can attack the edge with speed and has the flexibility to dip low and under the tackle’s reach.
• He’s very good in coverage when looking into the backfield in zone coverage.
• Has crazy speed and very good strength considering his 235lb frame. Gives the ability to play any edge and linebacker position
• Smith can be used as a rangy run defender inside, instinctive when it comes to locating the ball with the quickness to get to it before blockers can react at the second level.
• Ferocious against the run and very good in coverage, is extremely versatile. Despite his build, Smith holds up well in traffic and makes a lot of plays by engaging a block, shedding, and pursuing.
• Has an excellent skip move to win around the edge
• He has an excellent feel for working off blockers and knowing how and when to counter as the play goes on.
• Smith will always try to plow into the largest piles and has a good knack of ending up glued to the ballcarrier.
• Impressive change of direction and quickness to win with inside and outside stick moves.
• Good bend to turn a tight corner and take an efficient path to the quarterback.
Cons:
• Despite being an impressive elite athlete – his production as a pass rusher has only been decent. Has produced just 9 sacks over the last two years, despite being the number one edge rusher on the top defense in the country
• Lacks pop due to his smaller size to anchor, though. Most effective when uncovered inside and chasing stretch plays to the sideline.
• Has some injury concerns – has missed time in both 2021 and 2022
• He may need to be covered up to be effective and can be neutralized by running at him
• Smith’s hand usage will need be cleaner and more coordinated
• He relies far too much on speed and doesn’t have a complete set of pass-rushing moves
• He’s overly reliant on bull rushes – dominates smaller college players. Will not work to the same way at the next level
• Trouble stacking counters with initial moves
• Struggles with momentum when met by bigger stronger linemen
• He all too often takes poor angles
Summary:
In 2021 as a junior Smith played in 14 games and contributed on 499 snaps. He recorded 32 tackles, 11 assists while making 27 stops. In coverage, Smith chalked up no pass breakups, one interception, and an impressive QB rating when targetted of 68.8. As a pass rusher, he produced 28 total pressures, which included 18 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and a solid 7 sacks on the year.
In 2022 as a senior Smith’s season was cut short after he suffered a torn pec, but still started 8 games and logged a total of 188 snaps for the Bulldogs. He also added 14 tackles, 6 assists, and 15 stops. As a pass rusher, he tallied 19 total pressures, which included 12 QB hurries, 5 QB hits, and 2 sacks on the season.
Nolan Smith is a supreme athlete at outside linebacker, the former five-star prospect has the speed of a corner, combined with the strength of a player 20lbs heavier. His potential is huge, however, he’s never been a consistently dominant player on the field and far too often relies on speed and power to mask a very limited skillset of pass-rushing moves. He’ll need to quickly learn on the job at the next level or risk being found out.
Information in this article first appeared on NFL Draft Buzz and is used with permission. Find the latest coverage, analysis, and player rankings for the 2023 NFL Draft at nfldraftbuzz.com
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