Packers: 5 early first-round 2023 NFL draft prospects to watch

Oct 8, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates with wide receiver Jayden Thomas (83) after a touchdown in the third quarter against the BYU Cougars at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 9, 2019; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) sacks Missouri Tigers quarterback Taylor Powell (5) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Packers draft prospect to watch: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

Nolan Smith could follow in the footsteps of Rashan Gary. Gary was drafted in the first round as a project player; his career started out slow, but he eventually turned into a monster.

The same could be done with Smith. He would play behind Preston Smith, Gary and J.J. Enagbare to begin his career, but could be the long-term replacement for P. Smith.

Smith is a bit undersized, but is an elite athlete at his position. He will also need to add muscle, something he’ll be able to do as the Packers’ fourth edge rusher. The sky is the limit for Smith if he can figure out all the tools to become an elite pass-rusher. That’s the swing for the fences and long-term move general manager Brian Gutekunst likes in his first-round picks.

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