ESPN: Nolan Smith Giving off "Top-10 Vibes"

A season ending pectoral injury dealt a blow to Nolan Smith's NFL draft stock, but a record-breaking performance at the NFL combine has put him in position to be a top-10 pick in April's NFL draft.

After a season-ending pectoral injury suffered in the annual rivalry game with Florida on October 29 damaged his once-promising NFL draft stock, former Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith entered the NFL draft process determined to reassert himself as one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL draft. With an eye-opening NFL combine performance in March, Smith did exactly that. Posting a 4.39-second 40-yard dash - the second fastest ever for an edge rusher at the combine - and a 41.5 inch vertical jump, Smith became the heaviest player in combine history to post a sub-4.40 40-yard dash along with a vertical jump of greater than 40 inches. That performance, in combination with his already well-established leadership and character traits, sent Smith’s draft stock skyrocketing and, according to ESPN senior national NFL writer Jeremy Fowler, his stock continues to ascend as the NFL draft approaches.

In ESPN’s latest 2023 NFL draft buzz report, Fowler identified Smith as a prospect he believes will be drafted higher than many observers currently expect; potentially even inside the top-10 picks.

Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith Smiles during the National Title, CREDIT: Tony Walsh / UGAAA

“Some scouts are giving off top-10 vibes for Smith, noting that the Pittsburgh Steelers at No.17 could be his floor. The Detroit Lines, who have the sixth and 18th picks, have done their homework on Smith, who has improved his stock in the process.”

Still, while Smith continues to catapult up draft boards with his alluring combination of athleticism and strong character traits, Fowler acknowledges that some teams may pass on Smith based on concerns regarding how his skill set and physical profile fit their defensive schemes.

“Fit will be key for Smith. Given he’s 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, playing every down as a defensive end could wear him down. Some scouts say he’s best served in a 3-4 defense as a speedy pass-rusher who can also drop into coverage.”

A two-time national champion at Georgia, Smith started 23 games for Georgia during his 4-year career in Athens. The talented edge rusher ended his career with 110 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 20 tackles for loss. He missed the last seven games of Georgia's 2022 national championship season due to a torn pectoral muscle he suffered in Georgia’s game against Florida, but drew praise from both his coaches and teammates for his invaluable post-injury leadership during Georgia's march towards its second-consecutive national championship.

While Smith’s mid-season injury dealt a temporary blow to his NFL draft stock, all indications are that he has reestablished himself as a prospect worthy of a top-10 selection in this year’s NFL draft. 

Other Georgia News:

• Broderick Jones Gives Credit to Georgia Prior to NFL Draft
• Amarius Mims' "Time Has Come", Talks Through Growth at UGA
• Report: NFL Team Removes Jalen Carter From Draft Board

Join the community:

Follow Brooks Austin on Twitter: @BrooksAustinBA

Subscribe to our YouTube Page HERE.

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @BulldogMaven & follow us on Twitter at @DawgsDailyFN