Hes overly reliant on his first step, length, and power to overcome opponents, which can limit his ceiling to the next level. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 8 overall pick to the Falcons. How will his scouting report evolve between now and April?. And it all started to come together for him over the last two seasons at Georgia after grading below 70.0 in each of his first two college seasons, he earned overall grades of 85.0 (2021) and 83.7 (2022) to finish his career. Updated: Apr 27, 2023 11:56 PM EDT. 18 overall, though his relative lack of production probably limits his interest from Detroit. The Georgia EDGE has the tools to be dynamic in that phase. 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. Once the top-ranked recruit coming out of high school, Smith saw immediate action upon arrival in Athens. While he did not blow up the stat sheet by any means, he was a key contributor to the dominant back-to-back national champion Georgia defense despite missing the conclusion of the 2022 season with a torn pec. Neither do we. High school:IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)Class: 2019Composite Rating: (0.9994), High school accolades: First-team All-American (MaxPreps), first-team All-USA (USA Today), first-team junior All-American (MaxPreps), second-team sophomore All-American (MaxPreps), 2016 All-State Class A-Private first-team defense (Georgia Sports Writers Association and the Atlanta Journal Constitution). He did get more accurate with his hands from year-to-year, showing growth in that area. Working on the consistency of his use of hands to defeat the offensive lineman's hands will allow him to grow in that department. Has an excellent skip move to win around the edge. He excels in using his length to pry into blockers and disengages at a high level to dart into running lanes and shut down running attacks. He brings a level of energy that is not easily replicated. Height: 6-foot-2. All Rights Reserved. Working on the consistency of his use of hands to defeat the offensive lineman's hands will allow him to grow in that department. Dylan Sanders. PFNs FREE Mock Draft Simulator (With Trades). However, he's certainly a run-first player, which has a distinct impact on his get-off in rushing situations. Despite being an impressive elite athlete - his production as a pass rusher has only been decent. Form tackler, good pad level, wraps up and runs his feet through contact. DO YOUR OWN 2024 MOCK DRAFT BY CLICKING HERE (or clicking Start A Mock Draft from your account page). A 5-star recruit in the 2019 class, No. It is a bit concerning that a player with Smiths athletic profile never exploded onto the stat sheet, especially with four years of experience. Can set the edge versus outside zone or as the force player against pullers on power and counter. (99%*), 128 (C)
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. Smith had seven tackles for a loss and three sacks over eight games in his final collegiate season. Hes dynamic, well-built, and he interviews well. https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-nolan-smith-scouting-report/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 20th-ranked prospect of all-time. 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. Long story short, he has very few flaws against the run and has the upside to be even better with some added mass. He will need to work with trainers to fill out his frame and add some play strength while he is at it. 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. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelpline.ma.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Becoming more technical with his hands to deconstruct and shed blocks can unlock his full potential at the next level. 2023 NFL Draft Nolan Smith Scouting Report The former number one overall recruit from 2019 may not be the first pass rusher off the board this draft, but he may just be the one generating the most buzz. Moreover, Smith can violently rip down opposing anchors after assuming control. Can attack the edge with speed and has the flexibility to dip low and under the tackle's reach. More than anything, Smith needs to keep refining his pass-rushing ability. April 30, 2023 5:06 pm ET. video for Is there really no failure in sports? 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. Over the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up to the 2023 NFL draft. Nolan Smith NFL Draft Scouting Report EDGE, Georgia Bulldogs Nolan Smith is an emotional leader on and off the field for the Georgia Bulldogs. Form tackler, good pad level, wraps up and runs his feet through contact. But his athletic traits lend him impressive pass-rushing upside as well. With his twitch, Smith can generate ample short-area momentum with little strain, force tackles to overset, and capitalize with his instant burst. 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. Smith is a former five-star recruit and finalist for the Anthony Munoz Lineman of the Year award as a senior. And that same athleticism can allow Smith to be a space defender, as well as destroy outside gaps in run defense. 30 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith. Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith is one of the top prospects, regardless of position, as the college football season progresses and we look ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft. Nolan Smith in Mock Drafts. He gets extension against offensive linemen pretty easily and will occasionally have them falling on their faces with how violent he is when shedding. His hand usage can be cleaner and more coordinated, and he can stand to expand his pass-rushing arsenal. 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. The Philadelphia Eagles currently hold two first-round picks . Smith has a tough, proactive mentality in run defense and isnt afraid to square up larger blockers. Eagles select Nolan Smith at No. He is overly reliant on outright talent to win matchups and lacks a versatile pass rush toolbox that he will need to be a dominant edge rusher in the NFL. You can view the full scouting report for Smith on NFL . Even with his frame, he plays with violence and urgency, has excellent leverage acquisition, and uses his explosive athleticism and flexibility to dominate in congested areas. 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". Comments are closed. Personally, I have a fringe top-50 grade on Smith. 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. Despite his build, Smith holds up well in traffic and makes a lot of plays by engaging a block, shedding, and pursuing. All rights reserved (About Us). Smith will be taken in the first round on potential alone. He has always been viewed as a project who possesses rare speed and athleticism for an edge defender. Hes very good in coverage when looking into the backfield in zone coverage. He could afford to push vertical more on the tackle to help sell the game. Having an edge defender that can drop into coverage, stuff the run, and get after the passer cannot be undervalued. At the same time, he is exceptionally raw. Heres a scouting report on Smith from NFL.coms Lance Zierlein: Lower weight class edge defender with the toughness to mix it up with bigger players. The Georgia product does have a few traits and moves in his pass-rush arsenal that he can win with on passing downs, though. Nolan Smith projects as an important rotational EDGE early in his career, with the upside to quickly become a starter in a "multiple" defense. 11 Oregon, One QB sack that forced an intentional grounding penalty in the win over Vanderbilt, Tackle for lost yardage and a QB hurry in win over Samford, Named to preseason watch lists for the Outland Trophy (nation's top interior lineman) and Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's top defender), Second-team pre-season All-America selection by Athlon Sports, Led the Bulldogs in tackles (8) in Capital One Orange Bowl win over Michigan, Three tackles, one for loss, two QB hurries and a pivotal play of Georgias win over Missouri, when he blocked a second-quarter Tiger punt that resulted in a safety, Four total stops in win over Floridaadded three career firsts vs. the Gators: forced fumble, fumble recovery and interception, all in a 39-second span of the second quarter, Twice named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week: vs. USC and Florida. Grade. If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. He plays with good awareness, as hes able to read option plays effectively, follow the ball, and adapt accordingly. H.S. Smith has experience rushing from two and three-point stances, but he appears most comfortable playing in a two-point stance. Furthermore, he doesnt always play to his full explosive capacity off the line. Smith can easily get under blockers and inside their torso, using that positioning to control reps. Interestingly, run defense is where Smiths traits translate best or at least most consistently. Hes also proven to be a pretty good football player while at Georgia, though not necessarily in the expected way. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
Speed it top end for the position, and would be considered top end for most any position. March 6, 2023 12:33 pm CT. ALL YOU NEED IS A FREE TDN ACCOUNT TO START A MOCK. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He kept that primary role in his four years with the Bulldogs, becoming a full-time starter in 2021. Needs to be more consistent with the accuracy of his hand swipes when starting pass-rush moves. .
Becoming more technical with his hands to deconstruct and shed blocks can unlock his full potential at the next level. 1 WDE, per 247Sports composite rating. Good bend to turn a tight corner and take an efficient path to the quarterback. A 5-star recruit in the 2019 class, No. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | 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. He will need to get with coaches and seriously develop better ways to attack the pocket and gain counters that he currently lacks. Smith has an explosive first step to threaten offensive tackles outside shoulders. No. Support NJ.com, Brian Fonseca | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Nolan Smith is an emotional leader on and off the field for the Georgia Bulldogs. (93%*), 4.39 (C)
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. For his MaxPreps profile, click here. And his non-elite length is a limitation thats here to stay. Among other things, Smith sometimes pops up too upright as a pass rusher. He's not going to miss many tackles. He adds an additional layer in pass coverage as well, where his speed and length take over once more; Smith can fairly reliably drop into coverage with backs and tight ends. 24 overall. He has an excellent feel for working off blockers and knowing how and when to counter as the play goes on. With several Bulldogs defenders departing Athens to become first-round picks in this past April's draft, Smith is now looked at as one of the leaders and best players on what is another stout unit. Going further, Smith shows glimpses of multitasking, and hes flashed the ability to use swift hand strikes and swipes while bending. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Due to his stellar run defense, Smith projects as a potential three-down defender in year one. While he is not fully developed as a pass rusher, there are clear signs of potential in his unreal speed for his size and frame that will be up to the right team to unlock. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). He will make his impact felt as a run defender and earn his keep, as he develops in the pass-rush department. | Franklin, Scouting report on Eagles 1st round pick Jalen Carter. (AP Photo/John Amis). Georgia. Smith will always try to plow into the largest piles and has a good knack of ending up glued to the ballcarrier. Lastly, Smith has proven he can identify screens and shade out into coverage with his lateral athleticism, and he has more than enough speed to close gaps in this phase. Positives. 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. Nolan Smith arrived at Georgia as one of the top recruits in the country in 2019 and played immediately as a pass-rush specialist. His lack of size and length are better-suited for a transition to more of a SAM backer than a full EDGE, though he doesnt have the lateral agility or experience to play there right away. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
30 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft Thursday . 1 WDE, per 247Sports composite rating. 1 overall, No. Who will Panthers face in second round of 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs? Didn't look comfortable dropping into coverage. Stats: 110 tackles, 63 solo, 12.5 sacks, 20.0 tackles for loss,1 interception, 3 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery. Today, I take a look at Georgia edge defender Nolan Smith. Doesn't have a ton of power behind his bull rush and doesn't work to get on an edge to collapse the pocket against offensive tackles. Takes on blocks with a wide base and is stronger than his 235-pound frame would suggest to hold his ground versus offensive tackles. (57%*), 81
(21%*), 32 5/8
Smith has admirable flexibility where he can bend around the edges or slice across the blocker to win the inside track. Nolan Smith. 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. 1 pick for '24 NFL Draft, Report: Bucs star Barrett's daughter, 2, drowns in pool, Track where undrafted NFL free agents are signing, Curry's GOAT case continues to grow with historic Game 7, NFL schedule release target date, plus 5 things we know, Hobbled Butler, Heat are playoff problem-solvers, 2019: Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year (team awards banquet), 2021 (vs. Michigan): Career-high seven QB pressures. (55%*), 238
Smith is a very impressive athlete with excellent playing strength for his size. As Smith's NFL Draft Bible profile reads, "Smith does a great job to set the edge and uses his length to stack and shed, often closing a rushing lane plus making the tackle for a stuff. 35) round out the quintet. However, recovering from a torn pec might scare some of these teams off. Please check your email for a confirmation. Smith falls below the size standards some team might have for a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he plays team-first defense with quality technique that should help him translate to the pros. He has the explosiveness to quickly throttle up and pierce through gaps, and hes a springy mover in tight spaces. Follow all of your favorite Michigan teams at Lions Wire, Wolverines Wire, Spartans Wire and the Detroit Free Press! Sign up for the Lions Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. 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. Smith doesnt have the great raw power that his teammate Travon Walker a similarly raw prospect coming out had in the 2022 cycle. His stance can be more efficient, and he hesitates at times. Kirby Smart didnt stumble on his abundance of defensive talent by accident. Doesn't have a ton of power behind his bull rush and doesn't work to get on an edge to collapse the pocket against offensive tackles. He'd often cover grass in zone coverage and would struggle to stay in phase versus tight ends in man. Hes a nimble mover with a naturally fast play pace and can stunt with rare quickness. Unfortunately, early in the Bulldogs ninth game, Smith suffered a torn pectoral and was lost for the rest of the season. 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). Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) scrambles against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) during the second quarter in the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium. However, he's certainly a run-first player, which has a distinct impact on his get-off in rushing situations. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. This was the second of two selections for the Eagles in the first round of this year's draft, as they previously picked Jalen Carter with the No. Has crazy speed and very good strength considering his 235lb frame. Additionally, he shows off the elite closing speed necessary to negate options and outside runs. He has a very accurate. Smith compared well with Reddick as an edge rusher. Already, Smith is a high-level run defender. The Athletic recently projected Smith to the Houston Texans with the No. 13), offensive tackle Broderick Jones (No. The Philadelphia Eagles picked up a second former Georgia star by selection Nolan Smith with the 30th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. 26) and safety Christopher Smith (No. Smith hopes to get selected just as highly as he enters the 2023 NFL draft. The silver lining for Smith is this: Hes already an excellent run defender. The temptation in taking a player like Nolan Smith lies in his size, speed, and athleticism. Smith could emerge as a more impactful pass rusher in the same position James Houston currently occupies. Going further, Smiths length, while not a liability, is average. Lions 2023 NFL draft profile: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech. Luke Stampini Recruiting . Smith was the No. Smith produced and impressed more as a run defender than as a pass rusher in college, and hes a power-based player despite having elite speed and explosiveness for an EDGE. All Rights Reserved. A fully-developed Smith can be a dangerous weapon to deploy off the edge versus opposing offenses. Smith can effortlessly reduce his surface area around the apex and accelerate while cornering. If you have a list of boxes to check, Smith checks most of them. Smith has first-round athletic ability, and its very reasonable to consider him within the top 31 picks. Smith is unofficially listed at 6'3", 235 lbs. Smith has admirable flexibility where he can bend around the edges or slice across the blocker to win the inside track. With his mobility, the Georgia EDGE can be a nightmare for space runners in pursuit. 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. 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. Nolan Smith NFL Draft Scouting Report. He could afford to push vertical more on the tackle to help sell the game. Eventual Starter. 3:23 pm ET, Cowboys NFL Draft hub: Full list of picks, team fits, 2023 NFL Draft: Best prospects available in Round 5, Greatness is guaranteed when LeBron, Steph clash, Looking ahead to No. He currently ranks as the 18th overall prospect on the consensus big board and regularly features in the middle of Round 1 in mocks. Smith was arguably their greatest addition. Sign up to receive all the latest news and annoucements. Banks (6-foot, 197 pounds) earned one of the top NGS athleticism scores (98) among prospects to . Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Smith is viewed in high regard by his teammates and coaches as a dynamic leader in the locker room. Works to get to square during the stem phase of a rush to give himself a two-way go and has a nice hesitation/skip move to win around the edge. Georgia Bulldogs Football Nolan Smith NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Georgia Edge BR NFL Scouting Department Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images HEIGHT: 6'2" WEIGHT: 238 HAND:. April 27, 2023 / 11:45 PM / CBS Philadelphia. Needs to be more consistent with the accuracy of his hand swipes when starting pass-rush moves. Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. Hes very effective when the tackle opens his chest. Though his stature will make him a difficult projection for some teams, other talent evaluators will see a position-fluid defender who can rush the passer as well chase down ball carriers in all areas of the field. A product of the famed IMG Academy, Smith had a recorded 4.51 40-yard dash, a 4.15 shuttle time, and a 39.6 vertical out of high school. Nolan Smith Scouting Report - Draft Dive Spotlight Nolan Smith Scouting Report 0 2022 nfl draft Georgia Bulldogs Georgia LB Georgia Linebacker NFL Draft 2022 NFL Draft sleeper Nolan Smith Nolan Smith Draft Nolan Smith NFL Nolan Smith NFL Draft . Smith doesnt have a full set of moves and counters to employ consistently. 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. 19), tight end Darnell Washington (No. He approaches every play with a you cant block me mentality and I love it. 30 The Eagles selected Nolan Smith at No. Weight: 238 pounds (Combine measurement) Smith is 22 years old. In the right scheme and role, he could be a true defensive catalyst with more time to grow. But right now, hes still relatively underdeveloped as a hand fighter. Written by B/R NFL Draft Scout Matt Holder. Hes overly reliant on his first step, length, and power to overcome opponents, which can limit his ceiling to the next level. 5-Star recruit per 247 Sports. Was Eagles-Bears trade that netted Jalen Carter at 9 a win-win trade? As he heads to the NFL, will professional evaluators have the same lofty opinion of his potential? Scheme Fit: Attacking/slanting assignments in an odd front, TDN Consensus Grade: 81.00/100 (Second-Round Value), Exposures: Oregon (2022), South Carolina (2022), Auburn (2022), Missouri (2022). 9 overall pick, beginning with the 62nd overall selection. That being said, he is unrefined with his hands to effectively defeat pass blocks with optimal quickness. Glenn Erby. the full scouting report for Smith on NFL Draft Bible, previously picked Jalen Carter with the No. While Smiths arsenal is still in progress, he can effectively build off lateral bursts with quick swipes. Physical at the point of attack and has pop in his hands to get extension and shed blocks from offensive tackles fairly easily. As a result, Smith is a difficult task to block in the run game, especially for tight ends. 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 was the co-winner of the Defensive Newcomer of the Year award for Georgia in 2019, putting up 2.5 sacks in rotational action. 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. https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/04/09/nolan-smith-scouting-report-2023-nfl-draft-profile/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, 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, 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, Doesnt 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.
Bo Jackson Vertical Jump,
Girl Blocked Me For No Reason,
Articles N