Following an impressive performance at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, it appeared as though Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith skyrocketed into the top half of the first round in the 2023 NFL Draft. Yet he inexplicably fell to the Philadelphia Eagles with the No. 30 overall pick and was reunited with several former Bulldogs in the City of Brotherly Love.
Nolan Smith shows flashes late during rookie season in Philadelphia
While fellow first round pick Jalen Carter shined during his rookie season in Philadelphia, Nolan Smith didn’t find the same success. Despite being selected in the first round, Smith was stuck behind three veteran edge rushers in Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham.
Smith’s rookie season was further impacted by a midseason change at defensive coordinator, as the Eagles demoted Sean Desai and promoted Matt Patricia. Following Patricia’s promotion, Smith finally saw an uptick in playing time.
While many were focused on Philadelphia’s demise during the second half of the season, Smith served as one of the team’s lone bright spots. After playing less than 10 snaps in his first 10 games, Smith played double-digit snaps in seven of his last eight games during his rookie season.
Smith’s effort and tenaciousness were undeniable, as he simply outworked the other edge defenders on Philadelphia’s struggling defense. After recording just two total pressures in his first 10 games, Smith recorded eight total pressures in the final eight games of his rookie season, according to Pro Football Focus.
While many were quick to label Smith as a bust following an underwhelming rookie season, it was clear that he used that final stretch as a launching point into his second season with the Eagles.
Nolan Smith establishes his dominance in year two with the Eagles
Following the departure of Reddick and arrival of both Bryce Huff and Jalyx Hunt, it was unclear how much Smith would play in year two. He would also be forced to work under a third defensive coordinator in just two seasons, as the Eagles hired veteran play-caller Vic Fangio.
While Smith could have used the changes as an excuse, he embraced the challenges and quickly emerged as Philadelphia’s best edge defender. Similar to the rest of the team’s defense, Smith ascended to new heights following the bye week in Week 5.
Especially after his role increased following injuries to Brandon Graham and Huff. Since returning to action in Week 6, only seven players have recorded more sacks than Smith (9.5) has this season.
Nolan Smith has played 662 defensive snaps this season, trailing only Sweat (735) on the edge in Fangio’s defense. It’s clear that the second-year edge defender has gained the trust of Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator.
While the Georgia product certainly played well to end the regular season, he has truly become an elite pass rusher in the postseason for the Eagles. In Philadelphia’s two playoff games, Nolan Smith has recorded 11 total pressures and three sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
After the Eagles moved on from Reddick, many wondered which player on Philadelphia’s roster would fill that void. Despite being labeled a bust by some far too prematurely, Smith has answered the call in the City of Brotherly Love.
Smith, alongside Carter, have established themselves as foundational pieces along Philadelphia’s defensive front. While the days of Graham and Fletcher Cox were certainly memorable, the dynamic duo of Smith and Carter will certainly create memories of their own.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
