Eagles fans will love Nolan Smith's draft phone call
The Philadelphia Eagles’ blueprint for acquiring talent on the defensive side of the ball has been leaked. The aforementioned blueprint reads: “Draft Georgia Bulldogs.” General manager Howie Roseman, a Florida graduate, is willing to put his college pride aside in order to get closer to bringing another Super Bowl in Philadelphia. The latest example comes […]
The Philadelphia Eagles’ blueprint for acquiring talent on the defensive side of the ball has been leaked. The aforementioned blueprint reads: “Draft Georgia Bulldogs.”
General manager Howie Roseman, a Florida graduate, is willing to put his college pride aside in order to get closer to bringing another Super Bowl in Philadelphia. The latest example comes in the form of Georgia product Nolan Smith, who the Eagles selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2023 draft.
A talented edge defender throughout his college career, it was a surprise to many just how far Smith fell in the draft. But just like his teammate Jalen Carter (No. 9) and Nakobe Dean in the 2022 draft, Roseman saw the value and took action.
Smith is everything a coach would want in an incoming rookie. Not only was he a team captain at Georgia with two national titles under his belt, but he brings rare athleticism to the position. Smith was clocked at a remarkable 4.39s 40-yard dash at the combine, which is a time fast enough to leave scouts’ jaws on the floor.
Smith’s draft day fall is most likely due to a torn pectoral injury which he suffered in 2022. However, time away from football has clearly lit a fire in Smith. His competitive spirit was overwhelmingly evident in phone call with defensive coordinator Sean Desai soon after he was selected.
“Hey Coach Sean, I know you're busy," Smith told Sean Desai. “I'm fired up, but I want that playbook. I want it. I want that PDF. Hey coach, I wanna be on that f****ng field. I wanna show y’all why should pick me number one. I’m being dead ass serious."
The Eagles landed a player they hope will be keeping opposing offensive coordinators awake at night. Smith’s combination of talent and intelligence make for a player who is likely to earn generational wealth at the NFL level. Those characteristics will help Smith make a smooth transition in his rookie year and enhance his chance to make an immediate impact with his new team.
