NFL ANALYSIS
NFL ANALYSIS
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Nolan Smith
ED
Georgia
HT:
WT:
YR:
NO:
OVR RK
9
POS RK
3
FINAL GRADE
(High Upside Potential)
6021
238
SR
4
CEILING
Near Elite Starter
OVR RK
PLAYSTYLE AND SCHEME FIT
As for scheme fit in the NFL, Nolan Smith's abilities as a pass rusher and run defender make him a good fit for both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes. His versatility and athleticism would allow him to play as a stand-up outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, or as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme.
PASS GAME ANALYSIS
As a pass rusher, Smith is a smart defender. He knows when and how to deploy a counter move while rushing the passer; he understands leverage and can win with speed and power. At the NFL level, Smith must work on diversifying his hand usage. At this point, he is an undersized player who will need to refine his game at the NFL level. As mentioned already, he understands when to deploy speed to power. Still, at the NFL level, he can be neutralized by tackles who can absorb his strength, and tackles with elite-level lateral quickness and flexion can cancel his speed.
RUN GAME ANALYSIS
As a run defender, Smith is elite. NFL teams will not draft a guy top ten based on his ability to defend in the run game, but Smith might be the exception. He is considered lean for his position, but don't be fooled. He possesses a dense frame that he uses to leverage and get underneath a blocker. His downhill explosiveness and lateral quickness will be an asset at the NFL level, where setting the edge in the run game can be paramount.
FINAL REPORT
At 6-3 235lbs, Smith possesses an impressive combination of size, speed, and athleticism. He is an explosive pass rusher, utilizing his speed and quickness off the edge to consistently pressure the quarterback. Smith is also a strong run defender who understands how to use leverage to set the edge. He has excellent instincts and football IQ. While he may need to continue to refine his technique and develop more pass rush moves, Smith has the potential to be a highly productive defensive player at the NFL level.
Primary scout:
Brandon Lundberg
KEY STRENGTHS
Strength
Motor
Athleticism
KEY WEAKNESSES
Lean Frame
Length
Bend
PLAYER COMPARISONS
Hasson Reddick
Ryan Shazier
Samson Ebukam
KEY POSITIONAL FACTOR GRADES
FBIQ (Very Good)
Pos. Vers. (Very Good)
Discipline (Near Elite)
KNOWN INJURIES
Elbow (2021)
Pectoral (2022)