Pro and Cons of Philadelphia Eagles taking Georgia football's Nolan Smith in 2023 NFL Draft
Georgia football’s Nolan Smith was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft Thursday night.
The senior outside linebacker/edge rusher was taken with the No. 30 overall pick. He missed the final seven games of last season after tearing a pectoral muscle.
Smith raised his draft stock with an eye-opening NFL combine showing in Indianapolis that included a 4.39 40 to go along with his productive game film and engaging personality.
Here’s what Smith can bring to the NFL:
Georgia football outside linebacker Nolan Smith: The positives
The 6-foot-2, 238-pound Savannah native rang up 11½ sacks and 21 tackles for loss over three and a half seasons on a loaded Georgia defense that valued getting after the quarterback but not as much as limiting explosive plays.
Smith was a vocal and energetic leader even when his final college season was over due to injury. He remained highly engaged at practice and on the sidelines on gameday with his teammates during the run to the national title.
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He is versatile enough to play on the edge and as an off-the-ball linebacker. Smith, who had a 41 ½ inch vertical jump, graded out highest in this draft class against the run over the past two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus.
The concerns
Smith has to work on his pass rush angles and his countermoves, he said on the Pat McAfee Show.
Draft analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic wrote Smith’s “dynamic get-off and loose movements make him slippery as a pass rusher, but his hand exchange lacks polish at the top of the rush. Overall, Smith must improve his pass-rush plan and overall efficiency, but he is an explosive, flexible athlete with powerful hands and above-average football character.”
Final thoughts
Smith never reached four sacks in a single season at Georgia, but he played behind Giants second-round pick Azeez Ojulari for two years and impacted the game in other ways including three forced fumbles during Georgia’s 2021 national championship season.
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He should fit right into a new locker room as a rookie and has the makings of a dependable pro for years to come. His outgoing nature should make him a fan favorite with his new team.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Philadelphia Eagles pick Georgia football's Nolan Smith in 2023 NFL Draft
