Eagles' Darius Slay expects 'special year' from second-year LB Nolan Smith: 'He looks a lot different'

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith enters Year 2 with heightened expectations.

The 2023 first-round pick played in all 17 games as a rookie but didn’t start a contest and mainly participated on special teams. Playing behind Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat, he took 182 snaps on defense (40 of which came in a meaningless Week 18 tilt) and 243 special teams reps.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

In anticipation of a potential breakout sophomore season, veteran teammate Darius Slay recently glowed about the Year 2 linebacker during an interview on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast.

“He looks a lot different this year,” Slay said of Smith. “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, he’s a guy that going to run to the ball from all coaches in the D-line 10 yards. He’s not a 10-yard guy, he’s more of a see ball, get ball. It’s going to be a special year for him, especially after him behind Haason (Reddick) all year. I think it will be very special.”

The Eagles traded Reddick this offseason and replaced the edge rusher with Bryce Huff. Smith will battle for reps with the incumbent Sweat, who enters the final year of his contract. The Eagles will give Smith every chance to earn a greater role in Year 2 in hopes he becomes a consistent force for the future.