Eagles' Nolan Smith Draws Praise From Coach

Over the past few years, the Georgia Bulldogs have produced some great defensive players. Many have been drafted into the NFL, including the Philadelphia Eagles’ Nolan Smith.

Smith was chosen No. 30 overall by the Eagles in the 2023 draft. He was the second  Bulldog selected by Philadelphia in the first round that year. They also tabbed defensive tackle Jalen Carter with the No. 9 overall pick that year.

On Friday night, Smith was putting on a show in a preseason-opening 16-13 win over the Ravens, getting a sack in the third quarter and immediately following it up by running down a screen on the opposite side of the field on the next play.

His performance drew praise from head coach Nick Sirianni.

"Really noticed Nolan Smith getting to the football," Sirianni said after the game. "He has this outstanding speed and this high motor. And on the one, they had a pretty good screen called on us and he came flying out of the stack and made a big play."

While many have chosen teammate Jalen Carter to have a breakout year this season, with Haason Reddick gone, this could be Smith’s year as well.

Related: Eagles' Revamped Offense And Defense Shine In 16-13 Win Over Ravens

“A lot of people think you’re supposed to come into the league and dominate and do all of this and that,” Smith said. “I have the same hopes and dreams that everyone has for me. I want to get 10-plus sacks and do all of that.”

If Smith continues to perform like this throughout the preseason, he just might get his chance to make it to the top of the depth chart and live out those dreams.