Nolan Smith’s NFL Scouting Combine status was uncertain due to the pectoral injury that sidelined him late in the 2022 season. Smith worked out on Thursday and likely made himself some serious money.

The standout Georgia edge rusher turned heads with his measurements, particularly in the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, vertical leap and broad jump.

In the 40, Smith clocked a faster time than 2 of the NFL’s top wide receivers when they ran at the Combine.

The NFL confirmed that Smith’s Combine times are among the best by a defensive lineman in the past 20 years.

What does it mean for Smith in the NFL Draft?

According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, Smith has been frequently projected as a late first-round pick over the last couple of weeks. Any doubts about Smith being a first-rounder should be erased by his Thursday display. The question now becomes when he goes in the first round.

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but the Combine measurements and times are certain to boost Smith’s draft stock. If Smith is still available late in the first round, someone would be getting a steal.