Ourlads' Profile:
2023 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about NOLAN SMITH:
Georgia | H: 6025 W: 328 40: 4.39 A: 3258 H: 0900 W: 8100
Two year starter, Savannah, GA. Smith played from both a two and three point stance as the Sam linebacker in Georgia’s defense. Explosive player he turns quickness into power beyond what his size dictates. Excellent run defender he can violently engage blockers to set the edge. Pursues with range on the perimeter and can make plays in space. Used to drop to the flat and cover backs on outside releases he normally finds the throwing lane as a zone defender. Adept at reading screens. He’s solid setting the edge, versus perimeter runs he shows excellent lateral movement to chase down a bounce outside by a running back. Tackles with gather and finish, rarely missing a tackle. Very good playing in space he shows sudden agility redirecting versus agile backs. He consistently hustles in pursuit showing a high motor. As a pass rusher he shows a quick get off and flashes hand usage in pass rush moves. Can work into moves from a violent strike to get a blocker off balance. Decent bend to the quarterback he usually gets upfield and is productive pressuring. Excellent chase skills he has range to track mobile quarterbacks across the field. Flashes ability to adjust to a quarterback moving up in the pocket. He normally plays at the right pad level but at times a powerful blocker can knock him upright. He needs to develop more in the pass rush and turn pressures into sacks. Lacks consistent escape and counter moves working against athletic tackles. He lacks the bulk of an every down defensive end but will fit as a situational pass rusher in a nickel package. Will likely be drafted to play in a 3-4 as a “Buck” or Sam linebacker.
2022 Stats: 18 T, 7 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 QBH. OSR:1/43. 1st round.