It has only taken two playoff runs, but Nolan Smith has quickly become one of the best playoff performers in Philadelphia Eagles history.
The Georgia product has recorded 4.5 sacks in the playoffs, including 3.5 during the team's postseason run to Super Bowl LIX. That is just a single sack behind Brandon Graham all-time in Eagles history.
Going into the 2025 season, the Eagles can't just rely on Smith in the postseason. After an offseason where several edge rushers left the team, Philadelphia is expecting a major jump from Smith in his third year with the team.
That is why Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman called Smith the Eagles' "X-Factor" for the new year.
"Philadelphia lost longtime contributors Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham this offseason, which puts third-year man Nolan Smith in the spotlight off the edge," Chadwick and Wasserman wrote. "Smith posted a solid 68.3 PFF pass-rush grade last season as he began to earn more playing time. In Philadelphia’s four postseason games, he racked up 19 pressures and four sacks.
"If he can produce at that level for a full season, the Eagles will have no problem replacing their departed stars."
Smith recorded a strong 6.5 sacks last year while improving as an every-down run defender. ... so it is not all just about individual numbers.
But he is a first-round talent. And he now has a track record in the clutch.
Will Nolan Smith be able to take the next step as a star? That's something the Eagles are hoping for as they begin their title defense.