Nolan Smith: A Rising Star in the Philadelphia Eagles' Lineup
Emergence of a Game Changer
Nolan Smith, selected as the No. 30 overall pick in the NFL draft, is proving he belongs in the big leagues. The young linebacker has recently become a cornerstone for the Philadelphia Eagles, especially shining during the closing weeks of the 2023 season. His journey reflects growth through perseverance, a lesson in patience emphasized by head coach Nick Sirianni.
"Nolan has just continued to get better," Sirianni noted. "His teammates love him. He plays hard as I've ever seen anybody play, and this dude is a physical, physical, physical guy." Smith’s hard-nosed approach is winning hearts in Philadelphia, both in the locker room and in the stands.
Impact on a Troubled Pass Rush
The Eagles have struggled with their pass rush, but Smith’s performance has been a breath of fresh air. A standout moment from Smith came in the playoffs when he faced the Green Bay Packers. In a game where the Eagles needed an answer, Smith recorded two crucial sacks, five pressures, and two quarterback hits. He boasted a pressure rate of 16.7% in that match, underscoring his defensive prowess.
Throughout the season, Smith has led the Eagles with a total of 8.5 sacks, including postseason appearances. Over the final four games, he registered 17 pressures and four sacks, consistently maintaining a pressure rate of 15.9%. Such feats are remarkable, especially considering a slow start with only three pressures in the first four games prior to the bye week.
A Personal Drive
Smith’s growth is not just a testament to his skills on the field, but also to his indomitable spirit and personal motivations. "It's just a growth mindset," Smith himself stated. "I can always get better. There are some things I wish I would've did better tonight, so it's a growth mindset." This attitude reflects not only his commitment to improvement but also his humility and awareness of his own journey.
Nolan also draws inspiration from personal circumstances, noting that he is playing for more than just himself. "I'm supposed to be on a port, I'm supposed to be on the graveyard shift right now, anchoring down boats," he said. "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 Role of Patience
Nolan's story is a testament to patience, a quality that Coach Sirianni highlights as critical in player development. "I think it shows you and everybody patience," Sirianni explained. "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." Smith’s journey has been an embodiment of this philosophy.
The Eagles and their fans are beginning to see the fruits of that patience as Smith continues to impact games with his relentless pursuit of excellence. As he strives to honor his inspirations on and off the field, Nolan Smith’s evolution promises to be a thrilling saga for seasons to come.