nolan smith scouting report

And if he goes to a good developmental coaching staff, he could be a Pro Bowler one day. There is a bit of a disconnect between Smiths buzz as a prospect and his on-field production. Reddick (6-1, 240) and Smith are almost identical in size and possess explosive speed off the edge. video for When should Pirates fans buy into this team? Hes also proven to be a pretty good football player while at Georgia, though not necessarily in the expected way. With the No. He kept that primary role in his four years with the Bulldogs, becoming a full-time starter in 2021. News never stops. 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). 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. Smith is more flexible and more amped-up as an athlete, but his leaner frame may require a longer acclimation period in the NFL. 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. Already, Smith is a high-level run defender. He was an elite athlete with a sturdy frame, oozing first-round potential. He approaches every play with a you cant block me mentality and I love it. He does a good job using his hands to get off blocks and is relentless in pursuit. Nolan Smith's scouting report Athletic Ability (35) Speed/Athleticism: 15 Speed ( 7/7) - Excellent speed rush. 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. 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. (with WWEs Corey Graves). 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. Smith is hard to move off of his spot due to his technique and leverage, and he can be disruptive when firing into gaps. No. (21%*), 32 5/8 Hes very effective when the tackle opens his chest. He has a very accurate. 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. (99%*), 128 (C) Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith is rising up draft projections and could be an edge-rushing option for the Eagles. He could afford to push vertical more on the tackle to help sell the game. 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. 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. One area of his game that could improve is his overall strength and turning speed to power in his rush. Nolan Smith is a 6-3, 232-pound Weak-Side Defensive End from Savannah, GA. . Hes overly reliant on his first step, length, and power to overcome opponents, which can limit his ceiling to the next level. He is considered the third-best linebacker prospect in the draft. (42%*), 9 Below is a comprehensive draft profile for Smith, including his high school and college accolades, scouting report and NFL prospect outlook. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). 19), tight end Darnell Washington (No. Height-6022. The Eagles will be back on the clock Friday night, beginning with the 62nd overall selection, which will be the 31st pick in the second round. MORE: PFNs FREE Mock Draft Simulator (With Trades). 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. Was Eagles-Bears trade that netted Jalen Carter at 9 a win-win trade? Smiths ability to work well in tight quarters or in a wide-nine alignment can put offensive tackles in conflict. The Philadelphia Eagles currently hold two first-round picks . Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. "Smith has a relatively thin frame, which may limit his contributions at the point of attack. That being said, he does have good athleticism to flush that part of his game out. 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. Form tackler, good pad level, wraps up and runs his feet through contact. Could afford to add some weight to help him hold ground against base blocks from the bigger and elite NFL offensive tackles. Despite being an impressive elite athlete - his production as a pass rusher has only been decent. Yet, he can be too reliant on bull rushes and speed-to-power moves. Its a weird amalgamation. He's violent when shedding and has shown flashes of using his quickness to defeat blocks, too. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Nolan Smith 1 overall recruit in the 2019 class. He shows . He recorded just 8 tackles, 5 assists, while adding 13 stops. On passing downs, he times up the snap well and has good acceleration off the ball to win with speed. But if you have a vision for his role and development at the next level, the tools are almost second to none. Note: This profile will be updated as more. Smith is lean, a bit undersized, and lacks elite length. I appreciate the ferocity he plays with because that is not a teachable traityou either have it or you dont. He will need to work with trainers to fill out his frame and add some play strength while he is at it. 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. --CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Josh Edwards (Oct. 4). He could play as a standup outside linebacker on odd fronts, too. This not only puts a cap on his maximum power generation output but also makes him easy to outreach and can cause attempted counters to fail. Add him to yourbig boardhere. Is it ever too early to start talking about next year's draft? When slanting against the run, he covers so much ground laterally that he doesn't have to tip it with pre-snap alignment. 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. Please check your email for a confirmation. Needs to be more consistent with the accuracy of his hand swipes when starting pass-rush moves. 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. 30 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. 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. Heres ProFootballFocus report on Smith: The No. Smith joined up with the Bulldogs and quickly saw the field. And for a large chunk of the 2022 season, he lived up to the hype, amassing three sacks, seven tackles for loss, and a pass deflection in eight games. And his non-elite length is a limitation thats here to stay. 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. Comments are closed. Player Comparison: Haason Reddick. You can view the full scouting report for Smith on NFL . He is explosive, agile, and a DAWG, and therefore he is a menace when he is at his best. 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). We would love to see this progression continue into the NFL, as he has the physical tools to become an elite defensive player, whether hes coming off the edge or slotted at linebacker. The Georgia EDGE has the tools to be dynamic in that phase. If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. As a run defender Smith shines through, using that same combination of speed and strength to attack through offensive linemen and wrap up ball carriers. He's violent when shedding and has shown flashes of using his quickness to defeat blocks, too. Height: 6-foot-2. He kept that primary role in his four years with the Bulldogs, becoming a full-time starter in 2021. Smith could emerge as a more impactful pass rusher in the same position James Houston currently occupies. The Georgia product does have a few traits and moves in his pass-rush arsenal that he can win with on passing downs, though. Projecting to his third year, Smith can be a full-time edge defender that will not come off the field. And in the right hands, he can be an invaluable defensive piece. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Here is everything you need to know about the ultra-athletic Bulldogs defender. The silver lining for Smith is this: Hes already an excellent run defender. Needs to be more consistent with the accuracy of his hand swipes when starting pass-rush moves. NFL Draft profile scouting report for Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith. Smith has an explosive first step to threaten offensive tackles outside shoulders. Original: Jun 13, 2022. 30 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith. Smith was the No. 1 . His impact was obviously felt early on, even on a defense with multiple NFL draft picks. Nolan Smith from IMG Academy High School was rated a 5-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 5-star grade by 247 Sports. 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. Smith's Positives 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. Matt Millers recent ESPN mock draft has him going with the No. Background: Rotated into the defense in his first two seasons with the Bulldogs, posting 18-2.5-2.5 and 21-2.5-2.5 in his first two years over . Nolan Smith (LB - Georgia) 6'3 - 235 lbs. He employs effortless leverage acquisition in run defense and can combine pad level and agility with violent hand usage to deconstruct blocks. Nolan Smith is one of the most enticing prospects in this draft. Production Score: 72. His power rushes can be easily absorbed and neutralized by stronger blockers. Impact upper tier Power 5 starter and No. Smith delivered a stellar follow-up campaign, registering seven tackles for loss and three sacks as Georgia went undefeated. Due to his stellar run defense, Smith projects as a potential three-down defender in year one. Edge-rusher Nolan Smith (No. Despite his build, Smith holds up well in traffic and makes a lot of plays by engaging a block, shedding, and pursuing. As his testing numbers at the NFL Combine exemplify, Smith is a tremendous athlete. Fresh off helping Georgia secure back-to-back championships, outside linebacker Nolan Smith has departed for the 2023 NFL Draft. Fourth-year senior. Athleticism Score: 98. Smith is a former five-star recruit and finalist for the Anthony Munoz Lineman of the Year award as a senior. His first step, when used properly, can propel him upfield and into action quickly. 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). By Tom Ignudo. Named one of three team captains for the Vanderbilt game. Written by B/R NFL Draft Scout Matt Holder. 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. Below is a comprehensive draft profile for Smith, including his high school and college accolades, scouting report and NFL prospect outlook. Smith is quite thin to be playing against bigger offensive linemen, and while he was not swallowed up in college by any means, there is a possibility of that happening with the bigger and better athletes in the NFL. As he heads to the NFL, will professional evaluators have the same lofty opinion of his potential? Didn't look comfortable dropping into coverage. Kirby Smart didnt stumble on his abundance of defensive talent by accident. When slanting against the run, he covers so much ground laterally that he doesn't have to tip it with pre-snap alignment. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine 13), offensive tackle Broderick Jones (No. At the same time, he is exceptionally raw. Long story short, he has very few flaws against the run and has the upside to be even better with some added mass. There is also some concern over his frame. Smith is viewed in high regard by his teammates and coaches as a dynamic leader in the locker room. Has produced just 9 sacks over the last two years, despite being the number one edge rusher on the top defense in the country. He mirrored that production in 2020 and took another step forward in the teams championship-winning 2021 campaign. Grade. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). He's not going to miss many tackles. 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. Smith can be locked up by longer tackles, and if his initial speed-to-power moves dont land, he can struggle to penetrate the pocket past that point. By Tony Pauline April 19, 2023 Smith is unrefined, almost predictably boring, as a pass rusher, because he doesnt use his speed or explosion effectively. The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz breaks down Giannis postgame comments following the Bucks first-round exit vs. the Heat. There is also an inherent injury risk as well with Smith coming off a pec injury. Smith has an unconventional body type for an NFL. Nolan Smith arrived at Georgia as one of the top recruits in the country in 2019 and played immediately as a pass-rush specialist. Howie Roseman and company moved up one selection in a trade with the Chicago Bears to secure perhaps the most talented player in the 2023 NFL Draft class. Eventual Starter. Who will Panthers face in second round of 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs? 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. Hes a dense, compact defender who can shock blockers at the point of attack with precise and forceful hands. Smith has first-round athletic ability, and its very reasonable to consider him within the top 31 picks. The Georgia product does have a few traits and moves in his pass-rush arsenal that he can win with on passing downs, though. Takes on blocks with a wide base and is stronger than his 235-pound frame would suggest to hold his ground versus offensive tackles. Can set the edge versus outside zone or as the force player against pullers on power and counter. Naturally, Smith fell under the radar for a bit. Speed it top end for the position, and would be considered top end for most any position. 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. He played in 11 games as a freshman and 10 more as a sophomore before moving into a starting role during his junior year. Below is a list of mock drafts and where they have Smith going. (57%*), 81 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. The Athletic recently projected Smith to the Houston Texans with the No. Additionally, he shows off the elite closing speed necessary to negate options and outside runs. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelpline.ma.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Smith is a former five-star recruit and finalist for the Anthony Munoz Lineman of the Year award as a senior. Please check your email for a confirmation. New Orleans Saints 2023 NFL draft scouting report: 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. 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 | 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. A 5-star recruit in the 2019 class, No. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Smith is a projected first-round pick. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Positives. He did get more accurate with his hands from year-to-year, showing growth in that area. Smith has a tough, proactive mentality in run defense and isnt afraid to square up larger blockers. Due to his stellar run defense, Smith projects as a potential three-down defender in year one. Smith is a very impressive athlete with excellent playing strength for his size. More than anything, Smith needs to keep refining his pass-rushing ability. He has trouble stacking counters with his initial plan, and he doesnt have the kind of raw power to generate imbalance repeatedly. Hes overly reliant on his first step, length, and power to overcome opponents, which can limit his ceiling to the next level. Gambling Problem? "We have a trade" was a common refrain during the 2023 NFL draft. 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 has the explosiveness to quickly throttle up and pierce through gaps, and hes a springy mover in tight spaces. 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. Nolan Smith NFL Draft Scouting Report EDGE, Georgia Bulldogs Nolan Smith is an emotional leader on and off the field for the Georgia Bulldogs. 8 overall pick to the Falcons. 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. 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 brings a level of energy that is not easily replicated. Smith became the starting OLB/EDGE for the Bulldogs in 2021. Lacks pop due to his smaller size to anchor, though. He can effectively anchor and has the flexibility and natural balance to absorb blocks. Once the top-ranked recruit coming out of high school, Smith saw immediate action upon arrival in Athens. Smith has admirable flexibility where he can bend around the edges or slice across the blocker to win the inside track. He can get off the mark as a rusher, but lacks the counters and contact balance to consistently assault the pocket at a high rate.
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