As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Nolan Smith.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Nolan Smith (LB – Georgia)
6’3″ – 235 lbs.
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 287 and 180 snaps, respectively, then stepped into a starting role in 2021, going 53-8.0-4.5 over 499 snaps as a rush linebacker. Was limited to just 188 snaps this past season, his season finishing in late October when he tore his pectoral muscle against Florida; finished with 18-7.0-3.0.
Positives:
Took snaps both standing up and with his hand in the dirt, from both sides of the line (typically on the weak side.) Anchors better than expected for an undersized edge defender, with at least average lower-body strength. Uses his length to keep opponents out of his pads and shows the ability to stack and shed in a run defense which often uses two-gap principles. Burst and length give him an impressive tackling radius. Rushes the passer with an excellent motor and plenty of physicality/tenacity. Quick enough out of his stance to threaten outside or inside; would be a good fit in a scheme that features a lot of stunts. Keeps his shoulders low, which, combined with his suddenness, gives opponents difficulty lining up punches. Has active hands and does a good job of varying his rush approach to generate pressure. Some ability to convert speed to power relative to his size (active feet.) Very impressive closing burst when he’s able to find a lane to the ball. Not purely a downhill player; also has the range and athleticism to drop into zones or even carry backs out of the backfield. Runs the field like a linebacker and looks pretty good flipping his hips in space. Can disrupt routes with physicality when working in coverage.
Negatives:
Never really had the type of dominant season his tools would suggest. Being a weakside rusher also means a good amount of his production came against right tackles and was rarely dealing with a tackle working with help from a tight end. Reaction times to the ball being snapped can be slightly delayed. Could be more consistent about keeping his shoulders square when defending the run. Working in inside moves allows opposing ball carriers to get the edge. More active with his hands than someone who has a wide repertoire of go-to rush moves at this point; wins primarily with work rate and athletic gifts (best move is swipe, still needs to work on swims, spins, rips, etc.) Will need to continue filling out his frame at the next level, especially if he’s going to continue to take some snaps out of a three-point stance; most teams are probably going to want him closer to 245-250. Lack of development is more concerning given that he’s a senior.
Summary:
Has the temperament and athletic tools to be a major weapon off the edge in the modern game, but seems a year or two behind schedule in terms of his frame and rush repertoire, questions that he will have to address. Winning in different ways during the season and testing well at 245 pounds or higher during the pre-draft process could help him skyrocket up boards; otherwise, he may slip a bit as teams wonder where the progress in his game is.
Projection: Round 2
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