Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Nolan Smith is already becoming a fan favorite without having taken a single snap.

Smith is an easy guy to root for as it is. But after his draft day phone call with Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai, Philadelphia is falling head over heels for the rookie pass rusher.

Nolan Smith is going to be a fan favorite in Philly!

Can’t wait to watch him this season!#FlyEaglesFly | @SmithNoland2

(Video: @GOATfarmmedia) pic.twitter.com/ZOGjLiW0Mw

— All About The Birds (@AATBirds) May 27, 2023

Smith made a recent appearance on former Eagle’s Chris Long’s Green Light podcast. On the podcast, the two discussed Smith’s unique love for the game of football.

“I’d say we’re guys that love football,” Smith said. “We don’t work. We’re not working. When I stay 30 minutes extra, I’m not working. In my head, I’m not working. I’m working to get better to accomplish a goal.”

It’s all fun and games until that harsh Philadelphia chill sets in during the late months of the season. But playing in freezing temperatures don’t bother Smith, who played his college ball down south at Georgia.

“I don’t mind it. I don’t care,” Smith said on playing in the cold. “As long as I get to go out there and hit a mother—er. I don’t really care about none of that s—. And you get warmer the more you hit people. I tell people that.”

Clip and full episode here https://t.co/9OPb65fGAp pic.twitter.com/AE1odICGg7

— Green Light with Chris Long (@greenlight) May 31, 2023

It’s evident Smith has a bulldog mentality, pun absolutely intended. His hard-nosed approach to defense will mesh perfectly with the attitude veterans like Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cos have worked so hard to instill.

If Smith’s play is anywhere near as entertaining as his offseason interviews, the Eagles will be in good shape in 2023. Though Smith has certainly won fans over this offseason, Philadelphia sports fans require production before fully adopting anyone as a fan favorite.

Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports