Nolan Smith, a rising star selected as the No. 30 overall pick in the NFL draft, has been making a significant impact with the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly in the latter stages of the 2023 season. Smith, who has steadily evolved into a formidable force on the field, has been an integral part of a team striving to strengthen its pass rush capabilities.
During a critical playoff victory against the Green Bay Packers, Smith was a standout performer. His impressive stats—two sacks, five pressures, and two quarterback hits—were a testament to his growing ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His pressure rate of 16.7% in that game alone underscores his knack for getting into the backfield and applying pressure on the quarterback.
A Season of Growth
Nolan Smith's journey through the 2023 season is a tale of perseverance and dedication. Over the last four games of the season, Smith recorded an astonishing 17 pressures and four sacks, sporting an overall pressure rate of 15.9%. These numbers are a substantial leap from the season's outset, where he managed only three pressures in the first four games before the Eagles' bye week.
This growth trajectory can be largely attributed to what Smith describes as a "growth mindset." He noted, "I can always get better. There are some things I wish I would've did better tonight, so it's a growth mindset." His relentless pursuit of improvement has not only bolstered his on-field performance but has also won him the admiration and support of his teammates and coaches.
Winning Hearts and Minds
Head Coach Nick Sirianni has been vocal about Smith's development, emphasizing the player's work ethic and physical toughness. "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," Sirianni remarked. His words capture Smith's compelling transformation from a promising draft pick to a player who visibly fuels his team's ambitions with every high-octane play.
Smith's motivations are deeply personal, driven by a desire to honor his family and team. "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," he shared, providing insight into the inner drive that powers his performances.
Patience Paying Off
The Eagles' strategy of nurturing talent patiently is reflected in Smith's progress. Nick Sirianni acknowledges the journey from college success to NFL achievement isn't always immediate. "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 said, signaling a deep understanding of the time it takes for players to realize their potential fully.
Nolan Smith's narrative is a compelling reminder of how patience, dedication, and personal motivation can converge to create a formidable athlete. As the Eagles continue their postseason journey, Smith's contributions will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, all keen to witness how this rising star continues to grow and impact the game.