Recent Eagles draftees who haven't received extensions but are already on the hot seat

Nolan Smith, EDGE/linebacker

It's year two for Nolan Smith. That means two things. First, we have a few years before we need to begin serious discussions about contract extensions. Second, a fifth-year option is baked into his rookie deal because he is a first-round selection. He'll be under a microscope once the next Eagles season begins though. More is asked of day-one draftees.

Smith, a six-foot-two, 238-pound edge rusher, only saw 188 defensive snaps as a rookie. That's roughly 16% of Philly's total from last season. 18 tackles and one sack were the results of his efforts.

The Birds are going to need him to take the next step. Truthfully, they can't afford for him to be a disappointment.

Grant Calcaterra, tight end

Grant Calcaterra's story is fairly well-known by everyone. A former teammate of Jalen Hurts' at Oklahoma, head injuries forced him to retire as a collegiate star, but eventually, he was medically cleared to return to action. He did so as a member of the SMU Mustangs. That eventually led him to the Eagles as a sixth-round selection.

Calcaterra's story is different from Smith's. First-rounders are expected to become key contributors. If a sixth-rounder winds up being a star, that's a welcomed bonus. So far, Grant hasn't set the Eagles' world on fire. He is running out of time to seize the opportunity and prove he should be a part of Philly's future.