Nolan Smith's energy is 'obvious' in drills with Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Nolan Smith has “obvious” energy, according to reports around OTAs and minicamp.

Smith was one of two first round selections out of Georgia by Philadelphia. The other was No. 9 overall pick Jalen Carter. Not to mention last year’s pick Jordan Davis.

Smith received first-team reps during practice amid veterans missing time. So it’s safe to say Smith could definitely be an impact EDGE rusher as a rookie.

“Smith is a high-energy player, something that is obvious even during 7-on-7 drills,” ESPN’s Tim McManus wrote. “With some of the top edge rushers missing from practice, Smith got plenty of run with the first unit. His quickness stood out and so did his motor. It’s clear he’ll be in full pursuit of the ball carrier until the whistle is blown.”

Smith was a perennial starter and an important leader in Georgia’s back-to-back national championship wins. He ended his collegiate career with 114 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. 

Smith started eight games last season for the Bulldogs before suffering from a season-ending torn pectoral muscle against Florida.

Nolan Smith standing out with Eagles

Nolan Smith looked more than healthy at the NFL Combine, measuring in at 6-foot-2, 238 pounds and running the fastest 40-yard dash time among all front seven players with a blazing 4.39. He also had the highest vertical jump among all defensive lineman and linebackers at 41.5’’, putting his elite level of athleticism at the position on display for all to see.

As a member of the Class of 2019, Smith was a five-star recruit out of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 1 linebacker in the class and the No. 1 overall prospect in the class.

“The work ethic is pretty crazy for both of them,” Eagles DE Josh Sweat said. “They’re already working. Shoot, they’re professionals, man. Like it’s actually surprising coming out of college. 

“But they’re working. They’re just here to learn and they’re making (improvements) quickly.”

Carter and Smith were key cogs to Georgia’s back-to-back national championship squads.

“They’ve been on championship teams already,” Sweat said of Carter and Smith. “I think they just know how to go about their business.”

Smith simply slipped due to some injury concerns from 2022. But like Carter, Smith was too good to pass on for the Eagles.