Nolan Smith Shines in Eagles' 2023 Campaign

From Draft Hopeful to Playoff Hero

Nolan Smith, the 30th overall pick in the NFL draft, has quickly become a key asset for the Philadelphia Eagles. Rising to the occasion when his team needed him most, Smith has shown everyone what grit and determination truly look like. Despite the Eagles struggling with their pass rush throughout the season, Smith's performances, especially late in the season, have been nothing short of exceptional.

Making His Mark Against the Packers

The highlight of Smith's season has to be his standout performance against the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. In that victory, Smith demonstrated his prowess by recording two sacks, applying pressure five times, and delivering two quarterback hits. His ability to disrupt the opponent's offense was evident with an impressive 16.7% pressure rate during the game. It's clear that his commitment to excellence paid off when it mattered most.

Consistency and Growth

Throughout the season, Smith not only led the Eagles with a total of 8.5 sacks, including those in the postseason, but he also consistently improved over the latter part of the year. In the last four games, Smith managed to rack up 17 pressures and four sacks, maintaining a 15.9% pressure rate. Interestingly, his early season numbers were quite different, with only three pressures recorded before the team's bye week. This turnaround illustrates Smith’s dedication to getting better. "It's just a growth mindset," he reflected. "I can always get better."

The Journey and What Drives Him

Smith’s journey hasn't been easy, but his perseverance is rooted in deep personal motivation. "I'm supposed to be on a port, I'm supposed to be on the graveyard shift right now, anchoring down boats," Smith recalled, emphasizing his desire to make his family proud. He’s driven by a deep resolve to earn respect from his teammates with his relentless hustle, saying, "When they turn on the film, they know 3 is gonna be flying to the ball."

Support and Patience from the Eagles

Eagles' head coach Nick Sirianni has been vocal in his praise of Smith, acknowledging his dedication and growth over the season. "Nolan has just continued to get better. His teammates love him," Sirianni stated, highlighting Smith's physical and intense playing style. Moreover, Sirianni understands the importance of patience in player development. He remarked, "Guys might not come in and just be world beaters, even though they were ones in college. It takes some time to do it."

As Nolan Smith continues to evolve, he's not only making waves on the field but also setting an example of hard work and tenacity. His journey from draft hopeful to a crucial playoff performer serves as an inspiration for both his peers and fans alike. The Philadelphia Eagles have found a gem in Smith, and it seems his best days are still ahead.