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Nolan Smith wows with impressive jump at NFL Combine

Palmber-Thombsby:Palmer Thombs•03/02/23•

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Nolan Smith
Justin Casterline / Stringer PhotoG/Getty

INDIANAPOLIS — Former Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith is back in action. After his season came to an end early in 2022 due to a torn pectoral muscle, Smith is working out for NFL scouts at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

“I’m going to do on-field drills here and I’m going to do some at the Pro Day. I play football. That’s why I’m here,” Smith told reporters during his availability at the Combine. “I haven’t done anything in a long time. I can’t wait to showcase my talents. Everyone thought I died and all this stuff. I turned off the mock drafts, I turned off my phone, and I picked up a book. You can’t hurt me. I just wanted to create an iron mind, a mindset that no one can hurt me. No matter what you say about me, I’m just going to work.” 

Smith jumped 41.5″ on the vertical jump, best among his position group at the combine and best of any player so far regardless of position. Smith also posted a 10′ 8″ broad jump, third longest so far. Smith measured in at 6′ 2 1/4″, 238 pounds with 32 5/8″ arms and 9″ hands.

For comparison purposes, former Georgia wide receiver George Pickens jumped 33″ last year while Chris Conley jumped 45″ in 2015. Hasaan Reddick, who Daniel Jeremiah compared him to recently, had a 36 1/2″ vertical in 2017. Smith was projected as the No. 31 overall pick, the final pick of the first round to the Kansas City Chiefs, by Jeremiah in his most recent mock draft.

Robert Beal is also working out as a former Georgia player today. His broad jump of 10′ 3″ is seventh best overall, but his vertical of 30.00″ was fourth-worst among players listed in the defensive end categroy.

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