The Philadelphia Eagles made a strategic move by drafting edge rusher Nolan Smith in the first round last year. Despite being a top pick, the team opted to ease him into the lineup, allowing him to gain experience gradually. Smith saw limited action on the field, playing only 188 defensive snaps as the Eagles relied on Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat as their primary players in the position.
With Reddick no longer on the team, the Eagles have made some changes by signing Bryce Huff and bringing back Brandon Graham to complement Sweat and Smith. The distribution of playing time among these talented players remains uncertain, but cornerback Darius Slay expressed his confidence in Smith’s potential for a breakout year. During an interview on the Green Light podcast with former Eagle Chris Long, Slay shared his belief that Smith is poised for a remarkable season.
Slay praised Smith’s work ethic and intensity, noting that the young player has shown significant improvement. According to Slay, Smith consistently demonstrates a high level of commitment and effort, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field. Slay highlighted Smith’s relentless approach to practice, where he shows no mercy even to his own teammates.
In addition to Smith, Slay also spoke highly of defensive tackle Jalen Carter, another promising young talent on the Eagles’ roster. Carter, a 2023 first-round pick like Smith, is expected to assume a more prominent role following the retirement of veteran Fletcher Cox. Slay emphasized the strong bond between Smith and Carter, who were former teammates at Georgia before embarking on their professional careers.
The Eagles are counting on Smith and Carter to become integral parts of their defense for years to come. As the team transitions and develops its roster, the emergence of young stars like Smith and Carter bodes well for the future. With Slay’s endorsement and the support of his teammates, Smith is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. Eagles fans have reason to be excited about the potential of their young defensive standouts as they look to make their mark in the league.