Nolan Smith has officially arrived and he’s not going anywhere – Philly Sports

After an impressive performance at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, Georgia edge rusher Nolan Smith appeared to be drafted into the top half of the first round in the 2023 NFL Draft. Yet he inexplicably fell to the Philadelphia Eagles with the number 30 and was reunited with several former Bulldogs in the City of Brotherly Love.

Nolan Smith shows flashes late in Philadelphia’s rookie season

While Jalen Carter was a first-round pick in 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 experienced 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. After Patricia’s move, Smith eventually saw an increase in playing time.

While many focused on Philadelphia’s demise in the second half of the season, Smith served as one of the team’s only bright spots. After playing fewer than 10 snaps in his first 10 games, Smith played double-digit snaps in seven of his final eight games during his rookie season.

Smith’s efforts and serious madness were undeniable as he simply outworked the other edge defenders in Philadelphia’s struggling defense. After recording just two pressures in the first 10 games in the final eight games of his rookie season, Smith recorded eight pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

While many were quick to label Smith a bust after an underwhelming rookie season, it was clear that he used this final stretch as a starting point into his second season with the Eagles.

Nolan Smith establishes his dominance in his second year with the Eagles

After the departure of Reddick and the arrival of Bryce Huff and Jalyx Hunt, it was unclear how much Smith would play as a sophomore. In just two seasons, he would also be forced to work under a third defensive coordinator when 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 rose to new heights following the bye week in Week 5.

Especially after his role increased following injuries to Brandon Graham and Huff. Since his return in Week 6, only seven players have recorded more sacks than Smith (9.5) this season.

Nolan Smith has played 662 defensive snaps this season and has trailed only Sweat (735) at the edge in Fangio’s defense. It’s clear the second-year defender has earned the trust of Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator.

While the Georgia product certainly played well to close out the regular season, he has truly become an elite pass rusher for the Eagles in the postseason. In Philadelphia’s two playoff games, Nolan Smith recorded 11 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 far too early by some, Smith has answered the call in the City of Brotherly Love.

Alongside Carter, Smith has established himself as foundational pieces along Philadelphia’s defensive front. While Graham and Fletcher Cox’s days were certainly unforgettable, the dynamic duo of Smith and Carter are sure to create memories of their own.

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images