From now until the 2023 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top 10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents Today, I’ll be profiling Georgia LB Nolan Smith.
#4 Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia (Senior) – 6030, 235lb
Measurements
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand Size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Nolan Smith | 6’3, 235lb | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 40-Yard Dash | 10-Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| N/A | N/A |
— Athletic defender with good play speed and explosiveness
— Rallies to the football well in pursuit as well as chasing down the QB
— Accelerates well in the open field when he gets moving
— Has impressive play strength for his size
— Fights to hold his own at the point of attack and set the edge
— Low, squatty body allows him to battle bigger OL and win with leverage
— Can shed blocks against the run as well as knife through gaps
— Wins often on his speed rush or through pure effort on extended plays
— Fluid mover in space that can cover backs and tight ends in man coverage
— Heady, instinctive player that effectively makes zone drops and reads QB’s eyes
— Has proven special teams production during his time at Georgia
— Selfless, team-first player that will play whatever role is asked of him
— Lacks ideal measurements as an edge rusher
— Shorter, lighter frame leads to him getting contacted first by OL often
— Lacks arm length to keep blockers consistently off his frame
— Lack of mass and weight can make life difficult to hold his spot against bigger stronger OL
— Doesn’t have much of a pass rush plan regarding a go-to move or a counter
— Hand usage needs to improve to consistently defeat blocks in pursuit of the QB
— Doesn’t generate speed to power much as a rusher despite having leverage on his side
— Will often over run the play around the arc in attempt to evade tackle’s punch
— More of a tweener regarding his fit as an off-ball LB or an edge rusher
— Coming off a torn pectoral in November, putting his availability for the start of training camp in doubt
— Senior Prospect from Savannah, GA
— Born January 18, 2001 (age 22)
— Consensus five-star prospect, top-ranked prospect nationally out of IMG Academy in 2019 recruiting class
— Transferred to IMG after two years at Calvary Day, where he played DL and RB
— Enrolled at UGA in January and participated in Spring drills
— Played in all 14 games as a true freshman and finished with 18 total stops, including 2.