Nolan Smith Jr. has evolved into an elite defensive weapon for Eagles

When the Eagles drafted edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr., they envisioned his speed, explosiveness, and relentless motor wreaking havoc off the edge. Now working into year three, Smith has not only delivered on that promise but also expanded his game into one of the most versatile toolkits in Philadelphia’s defense.

Under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Smith’s role has evolved -- and the results are paying off.

How Smith has evolved from developmental player to potential star on Eagles' defense

What sets Smith apart from many of his peers is his elite ability as an early down run defender. At 238 pounds, he may not have prototypical size for an early down end, but his leverage, quickness off the snap, and ability to set the edge have been elite. Take a look at the clip above on fourth-and-short.

Time and time again, Smith anchors against larger tackles, funnels plays back inside, and chases down outside runs before they can develop. It's that type of discipline on early downs that has given Fangio’s defense the freedom to stay multiple in its fronts.

But it’s Smith’s evolution beyond the run game that has truly elevated his impact. Fangio has deployed him not only as a pass rusher but also in the flat areas of coverage, where his athleticism allows him to erase space quickly.

He’s shown the range to peel off the edge and cover running backs or tight ends releasing into the flat, taking away quick throws that many quarterbacks rely on against pressure looks. That added dimension has given Philadelphia another layer of unpredictability, making their fronts harder to diagnose.

As a pass rusher, Smith’s development is evident. His trademark first-step burst and flexibility around the corner remain his calling cards, but he’s begun to diversify his arsenal. Adding inside counters, hand usage, and better timing against offensive tackles has allowed him to affect the quarterback even when his initial speed rush is walled off. The ability to threaten from multiple angles has made him more than a one-trick speed rusher -- it’s made him a legitimate three-down presence.

Fangio’s scheme has also been the perfect environment for Smith’s growth. By stressing alignment versatility and demanding adaptability from his edge defenders, the veteran coordinator has put Smith in positions to maximize his athleticism. Whether he’s crashing down to shut off an outside run, dropping into coverage to blanket the flat, or bending the edge to hurry a quarterback, Smith has become the prototype of the kind of hybrid edge defender Fangio covets.

The results speak for themselves. Philadelphia’s defense has looked faster, more dynamic, and more disciplined through the first two weeks, with Smith playing a central role in that identity shift.

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For the Eagles, Smith is no longer just a promising former first-round pick -- he’s become a weapon. His blend of run-stopping discipline, evolving pass rush, and coverage range makes him one of the most complete young defenders in the NFL, and his rise has been a driving force within the Eagles’ front seven.