Darius Slay sees “special year” coming for Nolan Smith

The Eagles drafted edge rusher Nolan Smith in the first round last year, but didn’t throw him into the deep end right away.

Smith played just 188 defensive snaps while the Eagles selected Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat as their primary players at the position. Reddick is gone, but the Eagles signed Bryce Huff and brought back Brandon Graham to go with Sweat and Smith.

It’s unclear how playing time will be split, but cornerback Darius Slay appears to think Smith is ready to claim a bigger share of it. During an appearance on Green light podcast, Slay told former Eagle Chris Long that “it’s going to be a special year” for Smith.

“He looks very different this year,” Slay said. “One thing I can say about Nolan, since I met Nolan, he only knows one speed. He’s one of those guys that you have to be careful with because he hits his teammates and everyone. Even in practice, man.”

Slay also talked about defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who was also a 2023 first-round pick, taking on a bigger role following the retirement of Fletcher Cox. The two players were teammates at Georgia before turning pro and the Eagles hope that become essential parts of your defense in the coming years.