Georgia Edge Rusher Nolan Smith Crushes NFL Combine

The NFL Combine generates new stars every year thanks to ridiculous performances from incoming prospects, but Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith may have already separated himself from the pack. The 22-year-old posted an outrageous 4.39 40-yard dash and an eye-popping 41.5" vertical.

Nolan Smith made himself some money today at the combine💰 pic.twitter.com/BvKhGWWV66
— PFF (@PFF) March 2, 2023

Smith's 40-yard dash was the second fastest by a defensive lineman since 2003. He's light for a defensive lineman at 238 pounds, but that's still a ludicrous number. His vertical was similarly impressive, placing him in the 98th percentile of his position in the history of the combine.

Smith was a starter in both of Georgia's national championship seasons over the past two years, but his production isn't quite in line with his athleticism: he notched 7.5 sacks in 20 appearances since 2021. Maybe the depth and dominance of the Georgia defense did him a disservice; last year's first-overall pick Travon Walker only logged 9.5 sacks over his three-year career with the Bulldogs.

Still, with explosiveness like this and a championship pedigree, Smith has the look of a high pick. Georgia saw five defenders from their 2021 championship team become first-round picks; Smith could be another.