The NFL preseason often serves as a proving ground for players looking to carve out their roles and make a statement before the regular season begins.

For Philadelphia Eagles’ second-year pass rusher Nolan Smith, Friday night’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens was more than just a warm-up game—it was an opportunity to showcase the strides he’s made since his rookie season.

Smith didn’t disappoint, and his performance caught the attention of head coach Nick Sirianni, who had nothing but praise for the young defender.

A Standout Performance in Baltimore

In the Eagles’ narrow 16-13 victory over the Ravens, Nolan Smith made his presence felt in a way that resonated not just with fans but with the coaching staff as well.

Known for his speed and relentless motor, Smith delivered a performance that had Sirianni singing his praises during the post-game press conference.

“Really noticed Nolan Smith getting to the football,” Sirianni said. “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.”

Smith’s moment of glory came in the third quarter when he recorded a sack, a play that served as a testament to his explosive ability off the line of scrimmage.

But he didn’t stop there. On the very next snap, Smith showed off his hustle by chasing down a screen pass, a play that underscored his versatility and commitment to getting to the football.

While preseason games don’t count in the standings, they are invaluable for players like Smith, who are looking to establish themselves as key contributors. Every snap, every tackle, and every sack is a piece of evidence that Smith is ready to take on a more significant role in the Eagles’ defense this season.

The Road to Redemption

Nolan Smith’s journey to this point has been anything but easy. When the Eagles selected him with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, expectations were sky-high for the former Georgia Bulldog.

Smith, who was a standout at Georgia, was projected to bring the same level of dominance to the NFL. However, his rookie season didn’t unfold as many had hoped.

Buried on the Eagles’ depth chart, Smith struggled to find consistent playing time. He ended the season with modest statistics: 18 tackles, three quarterback hits, and just one sack. For a first-round pick, these numbers were far from the explosive impact many had envisioned.

Smith himself acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to the NFL. “A lot of people think you’re supposed to come into the league and dominate and do all of this and that,” he said back in June.

“I have the same hopes and dreams that everyone has for me. I want to get 10-plus sacks and do all of that. But realistically, it’s a learning curve. These guys have been in here for 15 years, these guys have been in here for a long time.”

Despite the slow start, Smith remained determined to improve. With the departure of Haason Reddick, who was a key piece of the Eagles’ defense, Smith now has a chance to step into a larger role and redeem himself.

The upcoming season is an opportunity for Smith to prove that he can live up to the expectations that accompanied his draft selection.

The Offseason Transformation

One of the key aspects of Smith’s offseason preparation was his focus on bulking up. Understanding the physical demands of his position and the need to be more effective against larger, stronger NFL offensive linemen, Smith made a concerted effort to add muscle.

He went from 238 pounds to 245 pounds, a transformation that he believes will help him handle the rigors of a full NFL season.

“I’m coming in a little more bulky,” Smith said. “… I just want to get there, just personally. Me and Coach Wash talked about it, and he feels comfortable with that. He said, ‘As long as I keep my speed, we good.’”

For a player like Smith, who relies on speed as much as power, maintaining that quickness was crucial. And based on his performance against the Ravens, it appears that the added weight has only enhanced his game.

Smith looked faster, stronger, and more confident on the field—qualities that will be essential as he takes on a more significant role in the Eagles’ defense.

A Breakout Year on the Horizon?

As the Eagles look ahead to the 2024 season, all signs point to Nolan Smith being a key contributor on defense.

With his improved physique, a year of experience under his belt, and a renewed sense of purpose, Smith is poised to break out in his sophomore campaign.

The preseason has already provided a glimpse of what Smith is capable of, and if his performance against the Ravens is any indication, Eagles fans have plenty to be excited about.

Smith’s ability to get to the quarterback, combined with his relentless motor, makes him a potential game-changer for a defense that is looking to rebound after a disappointing 2023 season.

The Eagles’ defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, will likely find creative ways to utilize Smith’s unique skill set. Whether it’s lining him up on the edge to rush the passer or using him in coverage situations, Smith’s versatility will be a valuable asset in Fangio’s scheme.

Smith’s journey is far from over, and the challenges of the regular season will undoubtedly test him in new ways. But with the support of his coaches, the lessons learned from his rookie season, and the physical transformation he’s undergone, Smith is more prepared than ever to make his mark in the NFL.

The Beginning of Something Special

Nolan Smith’s performance against the Ravens is just the beginning of what could be a breakout year for the young pass rusher. While the road to NFL success is long and filled with obstacles, Smith has shown that he has the talent, the work ethic, and the resilience to overcome them.

As the Eagles prepare for their next preseason matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on August 15, all eyes will be on Smith to see if he can build on his strong start.

For Smith, each game is an opportunity to prove that he’s ready to take the next step in his career. And if his performance against the Ravens is any indication, the Eagles may have found themselves a future star.

In a league where players are often judged by their ability to rise to the occasion, Nolan Smith is doing just that. His journey from a promising rookie to a potential breakout star is one that Eagles fans will be watching closely as the 2024 season unfolds.

And if Smith continues on his current trajectory, he could very well become one of the key pieces in the Eagles’ quest for success this season and beyond.