Daily News | Thumbs up or down? Eagles beat writers weigh in on drafting Nolan Smith
Nolan Smith was widely considered a top-15 prospect, and he was arguably this year’s top EDGE prospect. I tabbed him to the Eagles with their No. 10 pick in my first mock draft. On draft night, though,. He missed six games during his final season at Georgia, but general manager Howie Roseman said there are no medical concerns regarding Smith, adding that he is fully healthy.
In Smith, the Eagles are gaining an ultra-athletic pass rusher. Similar to Jordan Davis one year ago, Smith crushed the scouting combine. He recorded a 4.39-second 40-yard dash with a 1.52-second 10-yards split and a 41.5-inch vertical leap. Smith’s athleticism score, according to Next Gen Stats, ranked first among all EDGE prospects. Starring on the nation’s top defense, Smith recorded 7 1/2 sacks over the past two seasons.
Perhaps other teams had concerns with Smith’s size. The 6-2, 238-pound edge doesn’t have prototypical measurements, but he compares favorably to Reddick and he plays well above his weight class. Those looking at his measurables may assume he’ll be limited to a designated-pass-rusher role early in his career, but Smith held up against the run quite well in college and could earn some early-down work at the next level.
Overall, the decision to take Smith felt like a no-brainer. Alabama safety Brian Branch would have also earned a thumbs up, but Smith plays a more premium position. He was also considered a high-character, high-motor guy commended for his leadership traits in college and he has athleticism to suggest he could become a difference maker in the NFL. Oh, and he already knows how to play with the Eagles’ new young nucleus along the defensive front.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
NFL Draft live updates: Eagles select Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith in 1st roundANOTHER BULLDOG! Eagles select LB Nolan Smith with the No. 30 overall pick | Live NFL Draft coverage continues on 6abc
Weiterlesen »
Eagles draft edge rusher Nolan Smith, adding to their collection of Georgia defensive starsSmith was selected with the 30th overall pick, as he joins Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Nakobe Dean as former Georgia players on the Eagles defense.
Weiterlesen »
2023 NFL Draft: Eagles Select Edge Rusher Nolan Smith From GeorgiaThe Eagles bookended their first-round picks by adding another Georgia defender, drafting edge rusher Nolan Smith at No. 30 overall.
Weiterlesen »
Thumbs up or thumbs down?: Eagles beat writers weigh in on trading up to draft Jalen CarterThe Eagles selected one of the most talented players in the draft in Carter, who also comes with character concerns. Good move?
Weiterlesen »
Jada Pinkett Smith and Daughter Willow Smith's 'Red Table Talk' CanceledJada Pinkett Smith, daughter Willow Smith and mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris launched their ‘Red Table Talk’ show in May 2018 — read more
Weiterlesen »
Jaden Smith Debuted His Upcoming New Balance Design at CoachellaJaden Smith brought his fashion game to Coachella, debuting a new design collaboration with New Balance. JadenSmith NewBalance Coachella
Weiterlesen »