Nolan Smith is a very intriguing and unique prospect to evaluate. That’s because he’s a hybrid outside linebacker/ EDGE at only 235 lbs, but brings great raw power and functional strength. The first thing you’ll notice when watching him is his elite burst and lateral quickness, but he also possesses a very well-rounded skill set. Recently he blew up the combine, but it’s also his film that is nearly just as impressive. His run defense was very unique to watch on film, and advanced analytics backed up his play. He didn’t have a challenging job in run defense but flashed elite instincts. Like Will Anderson Jr., he can make an impact in coverage, adding extra value. As a pass rusher, he has a lot of room to grow, but he’ll bring a day-one impact as a schemed-up Blitzer. Due to his skillset, he would fit very well in a Belichick-style defense playing as an outside linebacker. He also fits well as a true 3-4 EDGE so he’ll be high up on the draft boards of many modern teams.
Two games from his Sophomore year, as well as three games from his Junior year, were evaluated. This scouting report includes grades on all relevant traits which were based on his film. His scouting report also factored in stats and analytics, such as PFF grades. Thank you to both TFG and PFF for inspiring this draft content. Please leave your feedback on Twitter, @FBIntellect.
| Profile |
|---|
| 3rd EDGE / 1st RD | 6’2 / 238 | Class – SR | College – Georgia |
| Pro Comparison |
|---|
| More Powerful Version of Josh Uche |
| Scheme |
|---|
| 3-4/ Hybrid LB |
D-line Stats
2022 (through WK 9):
PR – 19
SK – 2
TKL – 18
TFL – 7
2021:
PR – 28
SK – 7
TKL – 54
TFL – 8
Clip Analysis
In this clip above, Smith makes a very impressive run stop. He takes on the tight end and disengages with excellent timing, then makes the stop.
Here he shows he can win with power as he initially bursts inside and sheds to the outside with power, where he finishes the sack.
This play isn’t very flashy, but he demonstrates great play recognition and discipline while also having great range to make the tackle. He does a good job of staying in range of both of the runner’s lanes.
Grades
Traits/ Skills (see bottom of the page for scale)
Each trait/attribute is graded 1-7.
| Traits | Immediate | Potential |
| SPD | 6.8 | 6.8 |
| ACC | 6.8 | 6.8 |
| AGI | 6 | 6 |
| STR | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| SIZ | 3.8 | 4 |
| GET | 6 | 7 |
| BND | 5.6 | 6.4 |
| IQ | 4 | 5.8 |
| INS | 5 | 6.6 |
| PWM | 3.6 | 5 |
| FNM | 3.8 | 5.8 |
| BKS | 4 | 4.8 |
| TAC | 4.3 | 5.4 |
| PUR | 5.2 | 6.4 |
| COV | 5.4 | 6.2 |
| EDGE Key | |
|---|---|
| SPD – Speed ACC – Acceleration AGI – Agility STR – Strength SIZ – Size/ Length GET – Get-off BND – Bend IQ – Football IQ | INS – Instincts PWM – Power Moves FNM – Finesse Moves BKS – Blockshedding TAC – Tackling PUR – Pursuit COV – Coverage |
Player Notes
- Nolan Smith, despite being undersized, is a very strong, physical, and well-rounded EDGE with good coverage versatility. He is currently ranked 7th on The FBI 2023 Draft Board so far.
Pros
- Blazing fast speed – 99th percentile.
- Has shown flashes of elite bend; he looks very natural at doing so.
- Is explosive with great timing off the snap on most plays.
- Has violent hands and uses an effective club move.
- He showed a natural feel as a pass rusher; could occasionally pull off counter moves.
- Has lightning-quick run instincts and plays disciplined.
- Is relentless in run defense; has about as high of a motor as you could ask for.
- Can stick his feet in the ground and anchor well against run blocks.
- Was consistently not getting pushed in run defense and came away with a ton of run-stops.
- Has elite range that allows him to track down the ball carrier.
- Has great coverage feel for an EDGE – could theoretically move to an off-ball linebacker and play at a high level.
Cons
- He doesn’t have great arm length nor the frame required at EDGE.
- He needs to use his hands more effectively as a pass rusher.
- He relies too much on raw power and pure speed rather than using finesse as a pass rusher.
- He never truly converted speed to power consistently, but he can learn to do so.
- His power moves will be capped off due to his size.
- Played on a dominant team and benefited from the coaching and surrounding talent.
- Played in a very conducive role at Georgia, where he may not have the luxury of playing in the NFL.
- Tore his pectoral muscle and missed most of the season.
Combine
40 yd: 4.39
10 yd: 1.52
Shuttle:
3 cone:
Broad: 10’8″
Vertical: 41.5
Bench:
Arm Length: 32.63
Hand Size:
Scales And Keys
Grading Key
POT – Potential: players’ highest upside
IMP – Impact: player’s immediate impact
Stats Key
PR – Pressures
SK – Sacks
TKL – Tackles
TFL – Tackles for loss
| Draft Grade Formula | |
| Age: 21-22: | POT=(30%) IMP=(70%) |
| Age: 23-24: | POT=(28%) IMP=(72%) |
| Age:-25+: | POT=(26%) IMP=(74%) |
| Good/ bad character: | POT=(+2%/-2%) IMP=(-2%/+2%) |
| Injury: | POT=(-1%) in increments |
| OVR Grade Weight: |
|---|
| Pass Rush=75% Run Defense=25% |
| Individual trait scale (1-7): |
|---|
| 7 – Rare world-class skill; best in the league and no room for improvement | 6 – Great-elite skill; one of the best at that given trait but still has some room to improve | 5 – Very good; above average and has potential to be elite | 4 – Average; able to suffice but, not ideal long-term | 3 – Below average; able to suffice at college level | 2 – Poor; hinders overall play and is a liability to the team | 1 – Awful; not good enough to play given position at any level above D2 | Note: Consistency plays a large factor. |
| Overall Draft grade scale (15-100) (realistically: 55-85) |
|---|
| 84 – Perfect prospect | 81 – Bluechip prospect | 80 – Likely all-pro | 79 – Day one quality starter or superstar potential | 78 – Day one starter w/ all-pro upside | 77 – Day one starter w/ high-end upside | 76 – Boom or bust | 75 – Will become quality starter within 2-3 years | 74 – Boom or bust (high risk) | 73 – Will become starter within 2-3 years |
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