Fans tend to throw around the “bust” label far too early when highly-drafted players struggle to make an immediate impact. For Eagles’ EDGE Nolan Smith Jr., it was mostly opportunity — not talent — that led to a second-rate rookie season for the former first-round draft pick.
In 2023, Smith appeared in all 17 games for Philadelphia, but the former No. 31 overall pick had few chances to make plays. He was firmly No. 4 in Philly’s EDGE rotation behind Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham. Smith never saw double-digit snaps on defense until Week 12, and he finished that season with just one sack and nine total QB pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Smith’s trajectory changed dramatically after the Eagles traded Reddick to the Jets and welcomed Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator. Smith wound up starting 14 games (including the playoffs) and finished fourth on the team in pressures (50) and shared first place in sacks (10.5), per PFF.
Nolan Smith named Eagles’ biggest X-factor for 2025 season
General manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles are counting heavily on Smith. The team lost both Sweat (free agency) and Graham (retirement) this offseason, and Roseman’s corresponding roster moves pushed Smith to the top of the EDGE rusher rotation.
Say what you will about free agent additions Azeez Ojulari, Josh Uche and Ogbo Okoronkwo, or even sixth-round draft pick Antwaun Powell-Ryland. Each of those offseason moves at EDGE reflects the team’s faith in Smith to rank among the NFL’s premiere pass rushers in 2025.
It’s no wonder that Kris Knox of Bleacher Report named Smith among the NFL’s top X-factors ahead of Week 1.
“The Eagles now need 2023 first-round pick Nolan Smith Jr. to emerge as a pass-rushing force. He had bright moments last season, which he finished with 6.5 sacks, but he has yet to become the regular game-wrecker Philly drafted him to be. If he can reach that level in 2025, the Eagles' defense won't miss a beat.”
Fangio always utilizes a rotation at EDGE rusher, but Smith is poised for a career-high snap share in what will be his third pro season. Outside of second-year stud Jalyx Hunt, the Eagles are short on talent at the position and will need someone like Ojulari or Uche to emerge.
The good news for Smith? He’ll have the luxury of established superstar Jalen Carter, a slimmed down Jordan Davis, and training camp standout Moro Ojomo to help avoid double teams and do what he did so well in the second half of last season — get to the quarterback.
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All signs point to the breakout season that the Eagles (and their fans) are hoping for.