Eagles rookie Nolan Smith is taking a leadership role in Nick Sirianni's blueprint for building team connection

Whenever head coaches are analyzed, more often than not, we delve into conversations about what makes them successful. The 2023-2024 Philadelphia Eagles season doubles as Nick Sirianni's third as the team's head coach. To a man or a woman, we all can agree that, minus the outcome of last February's Super Bowl, it's almost impossible to be disappointed with the job he has done and what we have witnessed under his watch. Next on the agenda is blending these new guys into the current team culture. That's where guys like Nolan Smith enter the picture.

That Eagles culture that we spend so much time complimenting consists of several core beliefs. Two are mentioned often, competition and connection. Organized team activities are underway. In total, the Birds will have enjoyed six sessions when they conclude. We won't learn much. There won't be a ton of competition, but there will be much of the connection.

For the second straight offseason, Philly won't host a mandatory minicamp. That means, once OTAs conclude, training camp will be the next time we see the Birds in an organized setting. There will be competition and yes, another opportunity for connection. Guess what? The young guys, our Georgia Bulldogs, are going to have a huge say in what that looks like.

Don't be shocked when the young first and second-year Eagles take some of the leadership roles in building team connections.

Here is where we currently sit in our evaluation of Nolan Smith. There are no complaints about his freakish athleticism. It's easy to admire the manner in which he expresses himself. If Sean Desai develops a decent game plan with which to deploy him, he's going to be a star, but there is one more thing that we're noticing.

There's a Jalen Hurts quality here, a born leader. Recently he guested on Check out the full interview below, but pay close attention to the first few minutes and his take on how he hopes to help increase connection as a member of the Midnight Green.

"I was excited. I get to be with some of my brothers, some of my guys that I already won with and just already have a previous connection with. Coach Sirianni says it all the time you know. We're trying to build a connection here, and I just feel like, once you have that already, you can push the envelope a little bit more. Like me and J.D. (Jordan Davis) can go a little bit harder, or I can say 'Come on J.D. man, let's get another workout in'. So, man I just feel like that's one of the great things about being a part of Georgia (and) coming to Philly. There are already people here."

The bond is a deep one. Smith and Nakobe Dean were roommates at UGA and fellow engineering majors. Nolan told Chris of some of the bonds they built while struggling with the rigors of earning a higher education. Fast forward to the present, and they 'are teammates again charged with learning the Eagles playbook.

Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Kelee Ringo, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith have all supported each other as teammates and students. Now, they're part of one of pro football's most respected franchises. Nick Sirianni has preached camaraderie, competition, and connection since his arrival. Expect the youngsters to play a massive role in completing his vision. Expect Nolan Smith to break down a few huddles.