Nolan Smith EDGE Georgia: Scouting Report

Height: 6’2

Weight: 238

Overall

Nolan Smith is a dynamic edge rusher in Georgia’s 4-3 defense. In his 4 seasons with the Bulldogs, he played in 46 games, starting 23 of them. He suffered a torn pectoral in the game against Florida this past season but that should not affect him to begin his career. He is a phenomenal athlete and his explosiveness off the edge allowed him to make some big plays on film.

Pass Game

When rushing off the edge, Smith has a very quick first step and has a strong initial punch to drive his man back early in the rep. Although he is undersized, he has the power and length to use a bullrush to collapse the pocket or use his strength to get off blocks. He has excellent athleticism and can bend and contort his body to avoid blocks and take the shortest route to the quarterback. His speed and bend also allow him to get low around the edge and flatten down to make the play. He has good experience in coverage and with his length and athleticism he can excel as a covering outside linebacker in the NFL.

Run Game

In the run game, Smith plays with a high motor but his lack of size may make it difficult for him to consistently hold the edge against NFL level tackles. On zone runs, he does a very good job of fighting through his blocks while moving laterally down the line to spill to play to the outside and make the play near the sideline. However, on power runs where the offensive lineman are moving vertically up the field he will get pushed back off his spot, creating open running lanes. He is relentless in trying to get off blocks but his lack of size will be a liability on occasion against the run.

Last Word

Smith played both as an on the line defensive end and as a stand up outside linebacker off the edge. With his phenomenal athleticism, he projects best as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme where he can use his speed and bend to get to the quarterback off the edge. His lack of size may make it difficult for him to make consistent impact against the run but his high motor and pursuit will make up for a lot of his physical disadvantages. He will excel on 3rd downs with his excellent pass rushing abilities and he can be an immediate impact player on special teams with his elite athleticism.  

One-Liner: Nolan Smith is an undersized edge rusher but his elite athleticism and bend will allow him to consistently make an impact as a pass rusher. 

Grade: 6.8 (Solid Starter on All 3 Downs)

Games Watched: 2022 - Florida, Oregon; 2021 - Clemson

Team Fits: Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers