Nolan Smith is one of the most interesting prospects in the class of 2023. We knew he was athletic from tape, but his abilities were blown up at the Combine when he posted incredible numbers. Smith has a specific role that he will have to play in a defense, one similar to what Haasan Reddick played in the Philadelphia Eagles scheme last year, and it’s a role that is growing across the league. 

There is some upside to Nolan’s game just because he has room to grow with his hand usage and can add more to his frame. His hand use is still very raw and underdeveloped, and he may not be asked to put on much more weight but there is a lot there that can be done. Either way, he’s got upside to be an even better player. 

Nolan Smith is an elastic band. pic.twitter.com/KEIeM9G8oH

— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) March 29, 2023

Suffered a season ending shoulder injury 8 games into 2022 that forced him to miss the rest of the season.

Nolan Smith’s scouting report

Athletic Ability (35)

Speed/Athleticism: 15 

• Speed (7/7) – Excellent speed rush. Speed it top end for the position, and would be considered top end for most any position. 
• Lateral Quickness (2.5/4) – I don’t see a ton of lateral quickness ability. He’s certainly lay explosive enough but doesn’t seem to move well that way.  
• Body Control (3/4) – Very solid body control. Can stop and go as needed. 

Burst: 10 

• First Step Burst (4/5) – Good first step but sometimes doesn’t time it well. Definitely much better from an upright position than a three or four point stance. 
• Explosion (4/5) – Has solid explosion on game film.  

Power/Strength: 10 

• Upper Body Strength (2/3) – Very strong upper body. Can generate a power rush using speed to power. Has a lot of room to fill out his frame. 
• Lower Body Strength (3/3) – Very explosive. Athletic testing numbers were tremendous. 
• Brute Power (2/4) – Not really a brute. More of an athlete who happens to have a lot of strength. Plays with a ton of intensity. 

Pass Rushing Mechanics (20)

Bend: 10 

• Balance (4/5) – Excellent balance. Maintains his positioning, turns well, and shows the ability to handle contact in unconventional ways. 
• Bend (3.5/5) – Shows some solid bend but isn’t always consistent with it. 

Finesse: 10 

• Hand Usage (3/5) – Wants to be active with his hands.  Very intense but doesn’t use them well. 
• Hand Placement (3/5) – Hand placement could be better, doesn’t always get into the right spots. 

Defending Ability (40)

Tackling/Pursuit: 15

• Tackling Ability (4/5) – Strong tackler. Hits at the perfect point with power and wraps up. Very willing run defender. Drives the ball carrier into the ground. 
• Space Defending (4.5/5) – Excellent contain defender. 
• Pursuit Angles (4/5) – Very solid pursuit. Can get caught up in moves at times and miss tackles by trying to be too aggressive.  

Coverage Ability: 20

• Instincts (7/10) – Has some decent instincts, overall has a lot of growth to show. 
• Man Cover (2.5/5) – Still a bit of a liability in man coverage. Doesn’t have a lot of reactive athleticism. 
• Zone Cover (3.5/5) – Doesn’t have much of a backpedal. Can drop to his zones but will have to do it with his back to the quarterback. Excellent speed and can cover a lot of space. 

Motor/Consistency: 5

• Motor (3.5/5) – Motor is good at times but you don’t see a lot of the consistent hustle and effort from Smith on the field. 

Overall: (82) – 1st/2nd Round