Nolan Smith: Shades of Lawrence Taylor

Georgia’s Nolan Smith is special.

How special is he?

I haven’t seen an edge rusher with this combination of pure speed, ability to adjust in the pocket and short area burst since former Giants’ great Lawrence Taylor.

Now, I’m not saying Smith is the next Lawrence Taylor. However, I’d take him over Cowboys’ Micah Parsons. Smith doesn’t show the same level of pure tenacity or bull rushing power Taylor played with. Taylor was one of a kind.

Smith reminds me of a wide receiver trapped in the body of a linebacker. He changes direction like Ohio State’s receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. It’s insane.

How did that translate to game film?

11 games total

Between 2021 and 2022, that’s how many of Smith’s games I’ve evaluated. In fact, I evaluated all eight of the games he rotationally played in during 2022. The more game film, the better. I’ve discovered the more film I watch, it lessens the margin for error.

No question, I like Smith better on his 2022 game film than in 2021 when I put a second-round grade on him. At 235 pounds there’s no way he’s a “hand down in the dirt,” defensive end.

He’s a stand-up edge.

That’s where he will make his biggest impact in the NFL.

What are the positives about Smith?

Consistently, there are a couple of plays per game where he looks like he was shot out of a cannon.

I’m not exaggerating.

Smith has the kind of speed and burst into the pocket that gives quarterbacks about “One Mississippi” to figure out where to throw the ball.

He’s that fast.

Parsons ran a 4.36 (40-yard-dash) and a 1.53 (10-yard-split), Smith has a similar 40 (4.39) and clocked at 1.52 (10-yard-split) at the NFL Scouting Combine.

What are the negatives about Smith?

Everything at First Round Mock is balanced. We don’t over-hype and we don’t understate.

There were games he played in a rotation every other series.

An even bigger deal was it’s not the same thing out of Smith on every single play. There are some wow Hall of Fame level plays, and others when he didn’t bring the same level of effort.

Inconsistency showed up on game film.

How about against the run?

Run defense seems to be an afterthought in today’s pass-happy NFL, but it’s still important.

If you don’t believe me, have your team go play the Cleveland Browns.

It’s a mixed bag with Smith defending the run – – he shows moments of greatness when he’s unblocked – – and the rest of the time he wasn’t a factor.

Where does he project?

Smith is an instinctual pass rusher with rare athletic ability.

In the draft, it’s all about passing the ball and stopping the pass, and there’s no question, Smith is the best edge rushing prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Smith makes Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. look like a happy meal toy.

I’m closing my eyes for a moment and imagining Smith standing up on the same edge defensive end Aidan Hutchinson plays on with the Lions.

That would be downright frightening.

Come to think about it Taylor played for Lions’ Head Coach Dan Campbell’s mentor, Bill Parcells.

#4 Nolan Smith 6-foot-3, 235 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2023 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)

First Round Mock Big Board: Top-5

Bust Probability: Low

Projected by 61.9% (up from 51.9% on March 7) of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of April 10, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2022 game film reviewed: Samford, Kent, Auburn, and Vanderbilt (click to view games watched to form this evaluation).

Level of competition: Moderate

2021 stats: 55 tackles (31 solo, 24 assists), 1 pass defended, 1 INT, 3 Forced Fumbles, 3.5 sacks (27 pressures georgiadogs.com)

2022 stats: 18 tackles (14 solo, 4 assists), 1 pass defended, 3 sacks (28 pressures (nfldraftbuzz.com)

Note: Missed 1 game in 2021. Missed 7 games in 2022, but posted the same kind of pressure stats

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Lean and chiseled edge with phenomenal speed and athletic ability. Uses hands well at the point of attack and likes to set up offensive tackles with off-speed attempts before turning it on. Inconsistent. Flashed bull rush power twice. Cat-quick change of direction. Rare bend and close. Best work done in space. Can quickly shoot inside gaps and blow up the pocket. Poor disengage versus the run. Best unblocked. Hard wrapping tackler. Ends up around the pile a lot.

Final words

Smith is a dynamic pass rusher.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.