2 min read • February 21, 2023
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Nolan Smith is a two-time National Champion and a projected first-round pick, but he suffered a torn right pectoral muscle in Oct.
The former No. 1 overall prospect in the 2019 high school recruiting class elected to have surgery on his torn pec the following week after suffering the injury. Smith was invited to the NFL scouting Combine held in March.
According to the Pro Football Docs, Smith is expected to recover fully and have no medical downgrade. He could work out and do drills at the combine but won't be able to bench press. It's possible that Smith could use the torn pec to just work out at Georgia's pro day on March 15th.
Pec tears are not uncommon, especially for defensive players: recent examples include Nakobe Dean, J.J. Watt, Kwon Alexander, and Eric Weddle.
Nakobe Dean decided not to have surgery on his torn pec, and it caused him to slide to the third round because of not addressing the problem.
Watt and Alexander each underwent surgeries mid-way through the 2019 season, with Alexander returning to the 49ers two-and-a-half months after his surgery and playing in their final two playoff games.
Smith had 73 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks, 15 TFL, and 1 INT in his last two seasons at Georgia. He had over a 90 PFF grade against the run in the last two seasons, with only 7.5 sacks.
Overall, Smith's draft stock should not be affected by the injury.
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