Standout UGA edge-rusher Nolan Smith visiting Bears for two days |
Nolan Smith, a highly-touted NFL draft prospect from Georgia, is set to visit the Chicago Bears for two days, according to multiple reports.
Smith, who stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 238 pounds, recently told insider David Kaplan that he would be flying to Chicago on Sunday for a visit with the team. The Bears are doing their homework on Smith, who likely has a first-round grade from the team. Smith's impressive athletic testing at the NFL Combine has certainly caught the attention of teams, as he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, jumped 41.5 inches in the vertical, and 10’8″ in the broad jump. These numbers are remarkable and speak to his potential on the field. Despite his impressive athletic ability, Smith is not considered a good bet for the Bears at the No. 9 spot in the draft, as the team has a pressing need at offensive tackle so they can protect franchise quarterback Justin Fields. Kaplan reported that Smith has done his due diligence on the Bears, as he spoke to former Bears standout Roquan Smith about the team and received nothing but positive feedback about the organization, the city, and the fans. This is a promising sign for Bears fans, as it suggests that Smito values culture and community in addition to his on-field abilities. While Smith's production at Georgia was not necessarily eye-popping, with only three sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in four seasons (38 games), he is a player with a high ceiling.
With the right coaching and development, he could become a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL.
Overall, Smith's visit to the Bears is an exciting development for both the player and the team. While he may not be the ideal pick for the Bears at No. 9, the fact that the team is taking a close look at him suggests that he could be a player of interest for the teaifin they decide to trade down in round one.
