“He looks different”: Eagles veterans predict breakout season from second-year player

With Haason Reddick’s departure this offseason, the Eagles will depend on Josh Sweat, newcomer Bryce Huff, and 2023 first-round pick Nolan Smith to make up the production.

Philadelphia signed Huff to a three-year, $51.1 million deal when free agency opened, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback undrafted free agent in league history. Huff compiled a career-high 10 sacks and 21 QB hits last season — the Eagles are banking on him to maintain that efficiency with increased usage in Philly.

One of the biggest x-factors for 2024 is Nolan Smith, who saw limited action during his rookie season. Despite playing just 188 defensive snaps last year, Smith is ready to be a consistent contributor for Vic Fangio’s unit next season.

Smith has been determined to improve his all-round game this summer, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Brandon Graham recently spoke on Smith’s newfound confidence:

“You can see his confidence growing,” Graham said of Smith. “Knowing that it’s more on him this year. You bring in [Bryce] Huff, and you got Sweaty [Josh Sweat], but then you gotta see who’s right behind that. It’s a competition.

We got some good players, some real good players to compete with each other every day, keep each other on our toes. That’s all you want in the room. You want people to keep elevating, keep getting better.

“I think he’s letting the doubts fuel him. I want to get him to where he want to go. Like I told him, take it one day at a time. You can’t worry about what people saying because when you start to perform, everything will change.

Eagles starting corner Darius Slay has also taken note of Smith, stating ‘it’s going to be a special year’ for the former Georgia Bulldog:

“He looks a lot different this year,” Slay said during an appearance on the Green Light podcast. “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.”

The Eagles selected Nolan Smith with the No. 30 overall pick last April, 21 picks after they drafted Georgia teammate Jalen Carter. We’ll get our first look at the defense when training camp gets underway next Tuesday.

Nolan Smith gets his first career sack! 😤

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Mandatory Credit: AP Photo | Chris Szagola