As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the 2025 season, their Super Bowl aspirations hinge on a critical question: can third-year pass rusher Nolan Smith step up as a game-changer? With the departure of key edge rushers Bryce Huff to San Francisco, Josh Sweat to Arizona, and the retirement of veteran leader Brandon Graham, Smith has been thrust into a pivotal role. No longer a promising role player, the former Georgia standout is now a cornerstone of the Eagles’ pass rush, with the team’s championship hopes resting heavily on his ability to deliver.
Pro Football Focus recently named Smith to their annual “make-or-break” list, highlighting the immense pressure and opportunity awaiting the young edge rusher. The Eagles’ pass rush depth has been significantly depleted, making Smith’s development not just important but vital to maintaining the team’s defensive prowess. His ability to generate consistent pressure could determine whether Philadelphia remains a contender or falters under the weight of a weakened edge defense.
Smith’s journey to this critical moment began in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he unexpectedly fell to the Eagles in the first round. Despite being a highly recruited college star and a standout at Georgia, concerns about his size and NFL projection allowed Philadelphia to snag exceptional value. In 2024, Smith showed promising signs of his potential, earning a Pro Football Focus grade just outside the top 25 among edge rushers league-wide, despite limited snaps. His 77.6 run defense grade alleviated concerns about whether his smaller frame could hold up against NFL offensive tackles, proving he can be a force against the run.
The Eagles’ pass rush room now features an unproven but intriguing supporting cast around Smith. Third-round pick Jalyx Hunt from 2024 is projected to start opposite him, while free agents Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari compete for rotational roles. This setup places even greater emphasis on Smith’s ability to be a consistent, disruptive presence. While the Eagles boast elite talent elsewhere—most notably interior defensive lineman Jalen Carter—the edge rush remains a potential vulnerability. Carter’s dominance can disrupt plays, but without effective pressure from the edges, opposing quarterbacks may find clean pockets, neutralizing the defense’s impact.
The stakes are sky-high for both Smith and the Eagles’ organization. Philadelphia has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s premier drafting teams, and Smith’s development is a critical test of that legacy. To maintain their defensive excellence, the Eagles need Smith to deliver double-digit sacks or other forms of disruptive production. His transition from a complementary player to a featured starter is a daunting leap—one that will see him face increased attention from opposing offensive coordinators and better-prepared offensive lines.
The mental pressure is equally significant. Knowing that the team’s success partially hinges on his performance, Smith must navigate the challenges of being a focal point of the defense. If he fails to break out, the Eagles’ pass rush could become a glaring weakness, potentially derailing their Super Bowl aspirations. However, if Smith rises to the occasion, he could solidify Philadelphia’s defense as a championship-caliber unit, proving that the Eagles’ faith in him was well-placed. The 2025 season will be a defining moment for Nolan Smith—and for the Eagles’ hopes of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.