Darius Slay predicts ‘special year’ in 2024 for Nolan Smith

Might the Eagles be deciding to use Nolan Smith, an extra pick in last year’s first round, more this season? A teammate certainly thinks so.

In fact, Darius Slay, who is Smith’s senior by 10 years, thinks his teammate will achieve more than just playing time for the Eagles defense this fall.

“it’s going to be a special year,” Slay predicted. “He looks a lot different this year. One thing I can say about Nolan, ever since I met Nolan, he only knows one speed. He’s one of the guys you have to watch out for your own self because he hits teammates and everybody. Even in practice, man.”

Of course, Slay is a cornerback, while Smith specializes in coming off the edge to rush the quarterback. We’re hoping Slay is avoiding friendly-fire collisions.

The Eagles selected Smith with the 30th pick of last year’s NFL Draft. Earlier in the draft, Philadelphia traded up for Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, selecting him at No. 9.

While the Eagles used Carter, Smith mostly sat the bench last season after he impressed during training camp. He was a somewhat raw prospect who dazzled at the NFL Combine. After all, he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. That was the fastest time posted at the combine by a defensive lineman in two decades. Yet he also missed a portion of his final season at Georgia because of a pectoral injury.

Smith played in all 11 Eagles games, but averaged only 11 snaps per game. The average is somewhat deceptive because he played a chunk of those snaps in the regular season finale. Then he saw more playing times in the Eagles playoff loss to the Bucs. In 16 plays, he shared a sack with Fletcher Cox and added four tackles with a QB hit.

Reporters often inquired about why Smith wasn’t seeing more time. But there is an opening now that Haason Reddick, last year’s starter, signed with the Jets. Plus, the Eagles made a change on defense, hiring Vic Fangio as the new coordinator.

Eagles GM Howie Roseman said “in retrospect,” watching Smith in the playoff game proved he should’ve seen more time in the regular season.

“He’s got all the right tools in his body,” Roseman said of Smith. “He’s got the right mentality. And at the same time, he’s got to go out and show it.”

Smith’s playing time will be a story line heading into the season. The Eagles report to training camp next Tuesday.