Kirby Smart raves about impact of Nolan Smith, makes case as first-round pick

Kirby Smart believes the NFL is getting a star on and off the field in former Georgia defender Nolan Smith.

As Smith readies for the 2023 NFL Draft, there’s a bevy of places he could land scattered throughout the first round. Nevertheless, Smart believes the young stud brimming with potential and excitement won’t have to wait long, as his impact will be undeniable at the next level.

“He’s going to make their organization better, he’s going to make their community better,” started Smart. “First of all, he’s a very bright individual. He’s a huge personality. He’s a hard-worker. He’s coachable. That’s why they draft those guys in the first round, they want to look and say, ‘Where are the pitfalls?’ When you look at Nolan Smith, you’re not going to get many. His character stands out. He’s got a great mom and grandma at home. They raised a bright, young man. He’s fun to be around. He texts me all the time.

“You can tell he’s just, I miss him. Because when you walk in the team meeting room he’s sitting there smiling, loud as hell. Always talking. They’re going to get a great personality, that I think he’ll represent whatever organization picks him, he’ll represent them the right way.”

It’s easy to see why Smart holds Smith in such high regard. The former Georgia star posted 113 tackles during his four-year career in Athens. He also produced 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three pass deflections, and an interception.

One of those teams that could use Smith is the Houston Texans, who have a pair of Top-12 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Todd McShay believes the former Georgia star could be a fit with their second selection.

In his mind, the Texan’s defense could use a freak of an athlete like Smith to create pressure and negative plays. Considering the focus of their new head coach too, McShay believes he would be a fantastic fit at No. 12.

“This defense needs a lot of help. They gave up 5.7 yards per play last year, 26th in the NFL. And I think Nolan Smith would be a perfect fit,” said McShay. “This guy has explosive edge-rushing qualities. He’s 238 pounds and ran a 4.38. That’s right. A 4.38. That’s great for a wide receiver. And he had a 41 1/2 inch vertical.”

“Plus he’s a leader on the defensive side. And I think Demeco Ryans wants to find his quarterback on the defense,” McShay said. “Nolan Smith makes a lot of sense.”

Nolan Smith’s college career, along with his jaw-dropping performance in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine, will make him a hot commodity later this month. While the Texans are certainly a possibility, Kirby Smart and company know that he’ll make an impact wherever he lands.

On3’s Sam Gillenwater contributed to this article.