Cowboys NFL Draft Target? Georgia's Nolan Smith Blazes to Combine Record

Defensive linemen and linebackers took center stage in Indianapolis on Thursday, kicking off the first day of on-field workouts for the NFL Combine.

And the Dallas Cowboys - always looking for an opportunity to find another pass rusher to play alongside Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence - were watching.

Along with other edge rushers who participated in the workouts, Georgia's Nolan Smith seems like a big winner from Thursday evening.

Smith flashed freaky athleticism, running an official 4.39 40-yard dash with a vertical jump of 41.5 inches. Smith's 40 time was tied for the fastest of the day.

Per NFL Network, Smith is the heaviest player (he's 6-3, 238) to have a vertical over 40 inches and a 40-yard dash in under 4.4 in NFL combine history.

Georgia DE Nolan Smith ran a 4.44 40 yard dash 🤯

His 1.52 10-yard split would be a record.pic.twitter.com/gyqBQVzYv5
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 2, 2023

And then he was told, it seems, "Shut it down.'' ... and was a bit upset about it.

“I wasn’t even running full speed.”

Nolan Smith upset and appears to receive the “shut it down” phone call. He wanted that 2nd attempt. #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/9Pl4QP4XXo
— Aaron Leicht (@aaronleicht) March 3, 2023

Leading up to the Combine, Smith was a name mentioned as a possible prospect for the Cowboys, who pick at No. 26 in the first round. Some had the Cowboys taking him in mock drafts, and after Thursday, it is beginning to make sense why.

Despite never putting up the sack production in college that matched his No. 1 overall player ranking in the 2019 recruiting class, Smith confirmed what a lot of evaluators already knew about him.

In spite of his undersized frame for an NFL edge rusher, Smith possesses the traits of one. His speed and bendiness helped him get by offensive tackles, while his strength helped him set the edge in the run game.

First thing about him, he has that bend you need to get around the edge as someone who’s undersized. pic.twitter.com/bX54tjD7Hj
— Harrison Reno (@HarrisonReno) February 8, 2023

Time will tell if his Combine showing will see him shoot up the draft board, and if so, by how much. But, knowing the Cowboys and their love for edge rushers, Smith could provide them with a situational pass rusher who can also help out against the run, a struggle for the Cowboys' defense last season.

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