NFL scouts didn’t get to see much of Georgia Bulldogs edge defender Nolan Smith in 2022, after a torn pectoral muscle sidelined him for the season in late October.
Scouts got a really good look at the Smith in the NFL Scouting Combine Thursday, although they might not have believed what they’d seen. The 6-2, 238-pound Smith ran a scorching 4.38-second 40-yard dash.
That’s the second-fastest 40 time by a defensive lineman since 2003. Carolina Panthers defensive end Amaré Barno posted a 4.36 in the 40 in the 2022 combine.
Official time: 4.39 😳@GeorgiaFootball DL Nolan Smith was MOVING! 💨
(Via @nfl)
pic.twitter.com/6GWBz5HAKY— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) March 2, 2023
As if that was not enough, Smith posted an impressive 41.5-inch vertical leap. To put that in perspective, Saquon Barkley had a 41-inch vertical leap at his combine. So in Smith, we have a player who is 2-plus inches taller and a few pounds heavier, with a better vertical leap and faster 40 speed (Barkley clocked a 4.40). Barkley is widely hailed as one of the best athletes in the NFL.
Nolan Smith's 4.39 40-yard dash…faster than @saquon #NFLCombine | @GeorgiaFootball pic.twitter.com/Tu8E8jZJ6Q
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 3, 2023
How rare was Smith’s performance? The NFL Network reported that Smith is the heaviest player with a sub-4.4 in the 40 and vertical over 40 inches in combine history.
Granted, there should be a law requiring us to mention here that incredible combine stats don’t equate to NFL stardom. They sure don’t hurt, however. Smith’s stock had risen in recent weeks, putting him as a late first-round pick in many mock drafts; don’t be surprised if Thursday’s showing doesn’t entice someone to bite earlier.
NFL Twitter quickly weighed in on Smith.
Nolan Smith made himself some money today at the combine💰 pic.twitter.com/BvKhGWWV66
— PFF (@PFF) March 2, 2023
NFL Network announces that Georgia edge Nolan Smith, at 238 pounds, is the heaviest player with a sub 4.4 40-yard dash (4.39) and vertical over 40" (41.5") in combine history. pic.twitter.com/DnCLZirHyd
— Kipp Adams (@KippLAdams) March 2, 2023
Nolan Smith had what we call a “turn the tape back on” combine.
Tons of NFL decision makers will come to find the explosivity in clips like this.
A 235 pounder standing up SEC guards requires juice. pic.twitter.com/o9HRynwPQR
— Brooks Austin (@BrooksAustinBA) March 3, 2023
Bruce Smith is the all time leader in sacks with 200. He ran a 4.71 40 yard dash.
A DE can run a 4.4 it matters none. That position is bout power COMBINED w/ quickness, & out smarting your opponent.
Your DE shouldn’t have to use his 4.4 speed if you have a good defense
— WALLACE BEE (@BDOUBLEEKC) March 3, 2023
50 lbs heavier and running faster than NFL WRs. Incredible
— TX Dawg (@TXDawg5) March 3, 2023
Insane athlete
— MSU_enthusiast (@c73002830) March 3, 2023
