7 edge rushers the Vikings could select in the 2023 NFL Draft

Nolan Smith (Georgia)

Measurements:

• Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 238 pounds

2022 Stats:

• 18 tackles
• 7 tackles for a loss
• 3 sacks

Nolan Smith put his name on the draft radar in a big way at the Combine. He had an insane workout where he ran a 40-yard dash in a blistering 4.39 seconds. That is faster than most receivers or even players who are two-thirds his size.

He also impressed with his confidence and openness in the press conference staying well beyond his allotted time, answering every question.

Smith isn’t just a workout warrior, he has the college production to match those crazy numbers. Looking at his 2022 stats won’t get many excited, but he did all of that in just eight games. In his career at Georgia, he amassed 110 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, and 12.5 sacks.

Smith is very quick off the ball, is smart and instinctive, and also has plenty of power. That mix of skills makes him nearly impossible to block.

It’s kind of up in the air as to when Smith will hear his name called. It wouldn’t shock anyone if he went in the top 10, and with the number of quality edge rushers in this class, he could also slide due to no fault of his own.

If Smith actually falls to the Vikings at pick No. 23, they may have to pull the trigger because he truly could be the best player available.