An interesting prospect visit for the New England Patriots this week raises some even more intriguing possibilities for the team's first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Patriots will reportedly host Georgia edge defender Nolan Smith for a top-30 prospect visit this week, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
After setting the NFL Combine on fire with his 4.39 40 time and ridiculous jumping drills, Smith's draft stock is sure to rise despite his lack of elite size (6-2, 238 pounds). He actually converts his speed to power well for an undersized EDGE, though, and uses his combination of unmatched quickness and bend to slip around blocks to make plays in the backfield.
Smith's profile actually compares well to Haason Redick, who once went 13th overall to the Arizona Cardinals in the 2017 NFL Draft and has since become one of the best edge rushers in the game.
Though it's fair to have questions about how Smith would set the edge and defend the run against NFL competition, the bottom line is this: don't sleep on him with the No. 14 pick.
Now, how does this relate to the overall draft strategy?
Edge defender is not a position of dire need for the Patriots with Matthew Judon and double-digit sack man Josh Uche on the other side. Offensive tackle is perhaps the most obvious area of need New England would look to address in the first round, followed by an explosive receiver and MAYBE a cornerback.
But that spot is an area the Patriots need depth, and it would be beneficial to have a savvy pass-rusher that can spell Judon on occasion and serve as insurance both for Judon and Uche, who is looking for a new contract as we speak.
If Smith is too much of a gamble for New England's blood, Clemson's Myles Murphy, who just showed out as his Pro Day workout, could represent a more traditional every-down outside linebacker type and could be an outside candidate for pick No. 14 as well. Iowa's Lukas Van Ness, though somewhat inexperienced and one-dimensional, also has the base traits to be a monster inside-outside player on the defensive line and could be had in the teens.
Will McDonald, meanwhile, is a taller, longer version of the Smith body type with similar questions about weight but a similar ability to work around it using bend and pure explosive strength that could be had on Day 2.
And if you're a mock draft maven, you've seen how much developmental EDGE depth projected to be available on Day 3 of the draft, including San Jose State's Viliami Fehoko (recently visited Patriots).
Though it's not the most popular position Patriots fans want to see drafted, EDGE might just be the premium position New England turns its attention to first if it can't get the offensive lineman it wants in Round 1.
