Nolan Smith: Emerging Force for the Eagles
Nolan Smith's journey from the sidelines to the spotlight reached a significant milestone when he was selected as the No. 30 overall pick in the NFL draft. His path since then has been marked by perseverance and dedication, qualities that have made him a standout player for the Philadelphia Eagles during the latter part of the 2023 season.
A Rising Star
The Eagles, who have found challenges in their pass rush throughout the season, have seen a bright spot in Smith's burgeoning talent. The team’s struggle on defense was evident, but Smith’s contributions began to shine, particularly in the closing stages of the season. His standout performance came in a crucial playoff victory against the Green Bay Packers. In that game, Smith demonstrated his defensive prowess, recording two sacks, five pressures, and two quarterback hits, while maintaining a remarkable 16.7% pressure rate.
Smith's impact wasn't restricted to a single game. Throughout the season, including postseason play, he led the Eagles with a total of 8.5 sacks. His late-season surge, recording 17 pressures and four sacks in the last four games, was a testament to his growth, encapsulated by a pressure rate of 15.9%. This surge contrasts sharply with his early-season form, where he managed just three pressures before the bye week.
Perseverance and Growth Mindset
Smith's transformation was not accidental. It came from a sustained commitment to improvement, borne out of his desire to make his family and teammates proud. "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," Smith reflects on his dedication to his craft.
The roots of his resolve lie deep, as Smith often recalls an alternate life he could have led. "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 explained.
For Smith, playing football is more than just a profession; it's a tribute to those who believed in him and a demonstration of his unwavering work ethic. His pursuit of excellence has not gone unnoticed by his head coach, Nick Sirianni, who remarked, "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."
Learning Patience
Smith's rise is a lesson in patience, an aspect emphasized by Coach Sirianni. The head coach understands the nature of growth and development in the NFL. "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 noted.
This patience has paid off in spades for both Smith and the Eagles. By the season’s close, Smith had blossomed into one of the critical components of the Eagles' defense, showing a potential that had previously been curved by early-season challenges.
Conclusion
Nolan Smith's impact on the Eagles, particularly their pass rush, is a testament to his hard work and the belief instilled in him by his coaches and fellow teammates. His journey embodies the virtues of patience, resilience, and a never-ending pursuit of personal and professional growth. As he continues to develop, Smith stands poised to become a linchpin for the Eagles as they strive for future success.