NFL mock draft: Finding a match for 5 Georgia stars
By John Buhler
Nolan Smith projects as a first-round pick, even after tearing his pectoral muscle
Though losing Nolan Smith down the stretch presented challenges for the Georgia defense, the senior edge rusher was still able to provide emotional leadership from the sidelines throughout their playoff run. Smith was a team captain and was arguably Georgia’s best pass-rusher last season before tearing his pectoral muscle. Regardless, he is still likely to be a first-round pick.
However, Smith is probably coming off the board in the latter part of round one, almost certainly going to a playoff-caliber team. This is huge for him because he will still be getting first-round money, but will be going to a better situation. While his medicals could knock him down to a day-two pick, in theory, the upside Smith possesses coming off the edge is too good to pass up now.
Smith has a decent chance to be the next Leonard Floyd or Azeez Ojulari coming out of Georgia.
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Baltimore Ravens have a knack for drafting outstanding defensive playmakers
One team worth monitoring for Smith to be drafted to would have to be the Baltimore Ravens. Although they were a playoff team this past season, they were only the No. 6 seed and lost on Super Wild Card Weekend to the division rival Cincinnati Bengals. Baltimore will be picking in the latter part of round one, which puts the Ravens in prime position to go ahead and select Smith.
While the bulk of their offseason focus should be on what comes next for Lamar Jackson, why would the Ravens want to deviate from their strong defensive-minded football culture anyway? Baltimore would not only be selecting a man with good character and a team captain off a national championship-winning team, but the Ravens would be picking up the best pass-rusher they had.
Many franchises will be in on Smith in the latter part of round one, so it may raise his draft stock.