Nolan Smith: A Rising Star in Philadelphia
Nolan Smith, who was picked 30th overall in the NFL draft, has emerged as a powerhouse for the Philadelphia Eagles, especially during the crucial closing segment of the 2023 season. Draft picks often come with a blend of expectations and uncertainties, but Smith has quickly elevated his game, capturing the attention and admiration of both fans and teammates alike.
Nick Sirianni, the Eagles' head coach, encapsulated Smith's rise succinctly, "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 respect Smith has earned from his peers is clear, and his relentless approach to the game has translated into tangible and quantifiable results on the field.
The Eagles have faced significant challenges with their pass rush this season. However, Smith's performance has been a bright spot in their tumultuous journey. In their playoff conquest against the Green Bay Packers, Smith was instrumental in securing victory, recording two sacks, five pressures, and two quarterback hits. His astounding 16.7% pressure rate during the game demonstrated his ability to perform under immense pressure.
Throughout the entirety of the season, Smith led the Eagles with a commendable total of 8.5 sacks, including his impact in postseason games. The latter part of the season, in particular, highlighted his growth and readiness to meet the challenges head-on. Over the final four games, Smith notched 17 pressures and four sacks, maintaining an impressive 15.9% pressure rate.
Smith's journey wasn't always this stellar. In the initial four games before the bye week, he achieved only three pressures. This stark contrast underscores his evolution as a player, attributed to unwavering perseverance and dedication—a narrative Smith embraces wholeheartedly.
Reflecting on his developmental strides, Smith emphasized a growth-oriented perspective, "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." His commitment to continual improvement is further fueled by personal motivations. According to Smith, “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 drive to make his family and teammates proud is reflected not just in his performance but in his daily approach to the game. NFL players often talk about the significance of preparation, focus, and heart, and Smith appears to embody these attributes with a rare passion.
Nick Sirianni also highlighted the necessity of patience in nurturing young talent. "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." These words resonate deeply with Smith’s career trajectory, reminding us all of the importance of giving time to players to mature and reach their potential fully.
Smith's late-season surge is a testament not only to his skills but also to the patience and faith invested in him by the Eagles organization. As Philadelphia continues to fortify its roster and strategies, Smith stands out as a pivotal component of their defensive front, aiming to anchor the team's ambitions for future success.
The story of Nolan Smith's progression from a promising draft pick to a key player is one of grit, determination, and growth. As he continues to fly high with the Eagles, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching his journey—a narrative rich with promise and potential.