Todd McShay explains why Nolan Smith fits perfectly into new Houston Texans defense

The Houston Texans need a lot of help when it comes to their roster. They finished second to last in 2022 in points per game and offensive yards as well as third to last in yards allowed and turnovers. With that in mind, a pair of Top-12 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft will go a long way when it comes to talent acquisition and Todd McShay knows exactly where they should look.

During a SportsCenter special, McShay revealed the fourth edition of his mock draft. First, he had Houston selecting Bryce Young with the No. 2 pick. From there, he shifted his attention to the No. 12 pick and explained his reasoning to have Nolan Smith, the outside linebacker out of Georgia, as their 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.”

Smith 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. However, while the Bulldogs still went on to win the national title, Smith wasn’t able to have as dominant of a senior season as he did in his junior year due to a torn pectoral muscle.

Still, Smith has projected as a high-impact prospect in the NFL. He continued to justify that opinion with his jaw-dropping performance in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine. That’s why, ahead of the draft in Kansas City, McShay says the Texans should be targeting Smith in order for him to anchor their defense for years to come.