The Philadelphia Eagles had high hopes when they drafted Nolan Smith as the No. 30 overall pick, and the young linebacker has proven to be a key asset to the team, especially in the latter part of the 2023 season. As the season progressed, Smith emerged as a cornerstone of the Eagles' defensive lineup, showcasing not only his talent but also his relentless dedication to the game.
Stepping Up When Needed
Entering the season, the Eagles faced challenges with their pass rush, a crucial aspect in creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Smith emerged as a crucial player in this regard as the months unfolded. His standout performance in a playoff victory against the Green Bay Packers was nothing short of spectacular. Smith recorded two sacks, five pressures, and two quarterback hits. The significance of his contribution was undeniable, as he maintained a 16.7% pressure rate during the game, showcasing his growth and impact on the field.
A Relentless Force
The Eagles needed a defensive player who could consistently disrupt offensive plays, and Smith quickly took on that role. Over the season, he led the Eagles with a total of 8.5 sacks, including postseason games. His persistence was particularly evident in the last four games of the season, where he recorded 17 pressures and four sacks with an impressive pressure rate of 15.9%. This led many to take notice of the transformation he had undergone since the beginning of the year, where he managed just three pressures before the team’s bye week.
Nolan Smith’s growth can be attributed to his perseverance and dedication—an ethos echoed by head coach Nick Sirianni. Describing Smith's evolving performance, Sirianni said, "Nolan has just continued to get better. His teammates love him. He plays hard as I've ever seen anybody play, and this dude is a physical, physical, physical guy."
The Drive Behind the Success
Smith’s drive goes beyond personal ambition. Motivated by the desire to make his family and teammates proud, Smith plays with unparalleled intensity. Reflecting on his journey and mindset, he shared, "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."
This dedication to constantly improving and proving himself has been the hallmark of Smith’s rise in the NFL. Embracing a "growth mindset," Smith acknowledges his continuous pursuit to be better, stating, "It's just a growth mindset. I can always get better. There are some things I wish I would've did better tonight, so it's a growth mindset."
Patience and Development
Nick Sirianni emphasized the importance of patience in player development, an essential factor in Smith's transition from promising rookie to defensive stalwart. "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 advised.
This focus on patience and growth underpins Smith’s impressive ascent in the Eagles’ ranks. His development serves as a reminder of the potential found in patience and perseverance. As he continues to excel, Smith is not just making a name for himself but is also helping to redefine what the Eagles’ defense can accomplish.
As the Eagles look to the future, Nolan Smith represents not only a triumph of individual effort but also the promise of what determined development can achieve. His performances have turned him into a pillar of the Eagles' defense, and if his current trajectory continues, he will undoubtedly have an enduring impact on the team's success for years to come.