Former first-round pick Nolan Smith is under significant pressure heading into the 2025 NFL season. At just 24 years old, Smith selected 30th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft is expected to start at edge rusher for the first time in his career under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Smith steps into a major role, tasked with filling the shoes of franchise icon Brandon Graham and making up for the loss of Josh Sweat, who took his 43 career sacks to the Arizona Cardinals this offseason. Given these departures, Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman labeled Smith’s upcoming campaign a “make-or-break” year not due to past shortcomings, but because the Eagles desperately need him to emerge as a key defensive leader.
“He started showing his potential late last season,” Wasserman noted, referencing Smith’s 78.9 overall PFF grade over his final seven games. “If that level of play continues throughout 2025, the Eagles’ defensive line could remain among the league’s elite.”
Smith recorded a personal-best 6.5 sacks last season despite playing much of the year with a torn triceps, suggesting there’s still considerable upside. With the team needing to decide by April 2026 whether to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal worth nearly $12 million a strong performance could secure his future in Philadelphia and possibly pave the way for a long-term extension.
Fangio remains optimistic, not just about Smith, but about a young, reshuffled pass-rushing unit that includes Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, and Azeez Ojulari. Fangio said the young group gained valuable experience last year and expects even more growth in 2025.
With another season of continuity in Fangio’s system, the Eagles hope their revamped defense can remain a dominant force. But that may depend on whether Smith and his fellow emerging pass rushers can rise to the occasion.
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