Nolan Smith: A Rising Star for the Philadelphia Eagles
Nolan Smith, the 30th overall pick in the NFL draft, has proven himself to be an invaluable asset for the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2023 season. Despite some early-season struggles with their pass rush, the Eagles have found rejuvenation in Smith's performance, particularly in the latter part of the season.
This Georgia Bulldogs product has turned heads with his ability to deliver under pressure, culminating in a stellar performance in the Eagles' playoff victory against the Green Bay Packers. He recorded two sacks, five pressures, and two quarterback hits, astounding both fans and analysts alike. His 16.7% pressure rate in that game against a formidable Packers offense underscores his growth and impact on the field.
Smith's trajectory over the season is indicative of his development and perseverance. Although he managed only three pressures in the first four games before the bye week, his end-of-season form told a different story. In the last four games, he notched 17 pressures and four sacks, maintaining a pressure rate of 15.9%. With a total of 8.5 sacks, including postseason games, Smith emerged as the Eagles' leading force in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Eagles' head coach Nick Sirianni has been vocal about Smith's progression, emphasizing the player's physicality and relentless drive. "Nolan has just continued to get better. His teammates love him. He plays as hard as I've ever seen anybody play, and this dude is a physical, physical, physical guy," Sirianni stated, highlighting the rookie's dedication and energy. This sentiment reflects the broader team culture in Philadelphia, where grit and hard work are highly valued.
Smith, known for his humility and commitment to improvement, credits his "growth mindset" for his success. He acknowledged areas for improvement even after standout performances, stating, "There are some things I wish I would've did better tonight, so it's a growth mindset." This mindset has not only kept him grounded but also driven him to continuously push his limits.
Beyond the statistics and accolades, Smith carries a deeply personal motivation into each game. His dedication extends beyond the confines of the field, driven by a desire to make his family and teammates proud. As Smith put it, "I'm supposed to be on a port, I'm supposed to be on the graveyard shift right now, anchoring down boats. So I go out there and I just want to make my momma proud and the 10 guys next to me proud. When they turn on the film they know 3 is gonna be flying to the ball."
The journey for Smith has not been without its challenges. Coach Sirianni acknowledged the necessity of patience in player development, shedding light on the process that many rookies undergo. "I think it shows you and everybody patience. Guys might not come in and just be world beaters, even though they were ones in college. They might not be world beaters right away. It takes some time to do it," Sirianni explained, underscoring the importance of nurturing talent over time.
As the Eagles look to build on their playoff success, Nolan Smith stands as a testament to the fruits of perseverance and dedication. His progression from a promising college player to a pivotal component of the Eagles' defense marks him as one to watch in the NFL landscape. The coming seasons are bound to reveal more of Smith's potential as he continues to evolve within the league, motivated by his personal drive and supported by a team that recognizes his exceptional talent.