Eagles’ Super Bowl Repeat Hopes Could Hinge on Third-Year Pass Rusher’s Breakout originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves at a pivotal crossroads heading into the 2025 season, with the franchise's championship aspirations potentially resting on the shoulders of third-year pass rusher Nolan Smith. After the departures of Bryce Huff to San Francisco and Josh Sweat to Arizona, coupled with the retirement of veteran leader Brandon Graham, Smith has been thrust from a promising role player into one of the most crucial positions on the roster.
Pro Football Focus recently identified Smith as the Eagles' representative on their annual "make-or-break" list, underscoring the immense pressure and opportunity facing the former Georgia standout. The designation comes at a time when the Eagles' pass rush depth has been significantly tested, making Smith's development not just important but essential for the team's Super Bowl aspirations.
Smith's journey to this critical juncture began when he unexpectedly fell to the Eagles in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite being one of the most highly recruited players in college football and a standout performer at Georgia, concerns about his size and NFL projection allowed Philadelphia to capitalize on exceptional value.
The young pass rusher's 2024 performance provided encouraging signs of his potential impact. Pro Football Focus graded Smith just outside the top 25 among all edge rushers league-wide, despite receiving fewer snaps than many of his peers. His 77.6 run defense grade addressed one of the primary concerns about his NFL transition – whether his smaller frame could hold up against NFL offensive tackles in run defense.
With significant departures in the pass rush room, the Eagles have assembled an intriguing but unproven supporting cast around Smith. Third-round pick Jalyx Hunt from 2024 is projected to start opposite Smith, while free agent acquisitions Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari will compete for rotational roles. This configuration places even greater emphasis on Smith's ability to be a consistent, game-changing presence.
The pressure is compounded by the fact that while the Eagles boast exceptional talent in other areas – particularly with interior defensive lineman Jalen Carter – the pass rush from the edge has become a potential vulnerability. Carter's dominance from the interior can only do so much if opposing quarterbacks have clean pockets due to ineffective edge pressure.
The stakes couldn't be higher for both Smith and the organization. The Eagles have established themselves as one of the premier drafting teams in the NFL, and Smith's development represents a crucial test of that reputation. His ability to generate consistent pressure, whether through double-digit sack totals or other forms of disruptive production, will largely determine whether Philadelphia can maintain its defensive excellence.
The transition from complementary player to featured starter often represents the most challenging leap for young NFL players. Smith will face increased attention from opposing offensive coordinators, better preparation from opposing offensive lines, and the mental pressure of knowing his team's success partially depends on his individual performance.
