A recent Nolan Smith evaluation confirms what fans already know about Eagles pass rusher
A recent Nolan Smith evaluation confirms what fans already know about Eagles pass rusher PFF named Eagles third-year pass rusher Nolan Smith the Eagles' make-or-break player for the 2025 NFL season
Most probably won't remember this now. Then again, they might, but if you don't, fear not, it's an incredible story that's worth hearing and retelling. Once upon a time, it seemed impossible that the Philadelphia Eagles might land Jalen Carter or Nolan Smith during the 2023 NFL Draft. Wouldn't you know it? Somehow, they wound up with both of them.
Even now, it's still hard to believe that it happened. Philadelphia made two first-round selections during that April's selection meeting. Jalen Carter fell to the Birds at nine. Nolan was still on the board when Howie Roseman and company found themselves on the clock at pick number 30.
Truth be told, some mock drafts and theories stated Nolan was a top-15 talent. After all, he had displayed elite athleticism. Just two months earlier, he had run an impressive 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
It was for that reason that some Birds fans would have been satisfied had he been taken with Philadelphia's earlier first-round selection. He sat behind Haason Reddick as a rookie but took a huge step forward in his sophomore NFL season.
Now comes the question. Can he take yet another leap? The pressure is a little thicker now, and that's what Philadelphia needs him to do.
Pro Football Focus labels Nolan Smith's third NFL season as a 'make-or-break' campaign
What a difference a couple of years makes. Nolan Smith has gone from a rookie waiting on his turn to the starting edge rusher on a depth chart harboring some uncertainty at the position. The Bryce Huff experiment didn't work. He's been traded. Brandon Graham retired. Josh Sweat left during the free-agency frenzy.
All eyes are on Smith and for good reason. After all, he was a first-round draft choice, so he is expected to be under the microscope all season. The cameras have already zoomed in and are following him. Pro Football Focus named him on their list featuring every NFL team's make-or-break player for the 2025 season.
Here's what Dalton Wasserman, the writer of this one, said about Philly's talented pass rusher: "Smith's make-or-break candidacy isn't an indictment of his NFL resumé as much as it is an indication of the Eagles' need for him to be a star. The team lost veteran edge defenders Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham this offseason, making Smith a sure-fire starter for the first time in his career."
No lies were told there. Wasserman continued his theory.
"He began to take on an expanded role late last season, recording a terrific 78.9 PFF overall grade across his final seven games. If that continues over the duration of the 2025 season, Philadelphia's defensive line will once again be an elite unit."
If anyone is worried about some apprehension, don't be. Smith is as cool as they come. Few Eagles carry more swagger. He has the confidence of his coaches. Listening to Nick Sirianni rave about him instills confidence that another breakout is on the horizon. Everyone should hope that Coach is right.
Smith really established himself last season, starting ten of 16 regular-season in-game appearances. He notched 42 tackles, including eight that resulted in a loss of yardage. He also racked up 6.5 sacks, 11 additional hits on the opposing quarterback, two pass breakups, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
He turned it on during the postseason, adding another forced fumble to Philadelphia's cause during the Eagles' four-game run to glory. He forced a fumble. His four sacks and four tackles for loss led every competitor playing during the postseason. Smith played through injury in the Super Bowl, never letting on to most that something was bothering him until the game was over.
Wasserman is right. The hope of another leap forward isn't an indictment of what Smith has already done. It's just an attempt to state the obvious. The Eagles don't want him to play at an elite level. They need him to do so.
Jalyx Hunt looks ready, but make no mistake. Nolan Smith is Philadelphia's leader on the edge moving forward.
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