While it may be a bit premature to do a full redraft of the 2023 NFL rookie class, if one decides to follow through on that commitment, it’s safe to say Georgia Bulldogs first rounder Jalen Carter would certainly go off the board higher than picking ten to the Philadelphia Eagles.

A dominant interior presence who has immediately taken over the three-technique spot from future Hall of Famer Fletcher Cox, Carter played every single snap for the Eagles in Week 11 and is on pace for the best season of his career by every definable margin.

And yet, Carter isn’t the only first-round pick from Georgia on the Eagles roster, let alone the only first-round pick from Georgia from the 2023 NFL draft class.

Discuss how Eagles’ Other 2023 Georgia draft pick, Nolan Smithhas played for Philadelphia in 2024, Nick Sirianni gave the second-year edge rusher a glowing review, as he likes how undersized edge approaches the game of football.

“What a guy that has been able to deal with ups and downs. Not getting a lot of reps early in his career because of the depth we had at that position, to now really be a big contributor. Patience. Everyone’s patience. Hey, it takes time .If you have the right people, like Nolan is, he cares deeply about football. Nolan is as tough as we are on this football team plays as hard as anybody in the National Football League. And he has great skill,” Sirianni told reporters.

“When you have those qualities as a person, God willing, you reach your ceiling. I think he gets better because of the skill he has and who he is as a person. I think we want things to happen instantly all the time. I am guilty of that. I think we all are. But development and getting better every day, there is a process, and it takes time. I think what you’ve seen is that he puts his head down, works every day, regardless of the circumstances. And you’ve seen him get better. Now he contributes a lot to our success.”

Initially questioned as a three-down lineman for his light weight and stocky build, Smith has really come into his own in 2024, picking up 3.5 sacks in just 231 defensive snaps while playing surprisingly well as a run-blocking outside linebacker off the edge. And the best part? He’s earned the trust of his defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, who isn’t exactly the easiest person to make a fan of.

Vic Fangio appreciates what Nolan Smith brings to the Eagles

Fangio discussed Smith’s play during his own weekly media session before Week 12, complimenting how the collegiate Bulldog has played for the Birds in 2024, which has been effective regardless of decline or distance.

“Yeah, it’s been good for Nolan. Obviously, speed and athleticism is his strength, which is good. We need that. And he’s been able to compensate for being a little bit small for a wing position,” Fangio told reporters. “Really working on to be physical enough to play the run, play in his blocks, and I think he and (Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers coach Jeremiah Washburn) Wash have done a good job with him to get where he is competitively well enough to play the run.”

Currently ranked third on the team in snaps from an edge rusher behind Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham, Smith’s ability to play good run defense and still be an effective pass rusher when the situation presents itself has clearly made the 30th pick in 2023 year’s NFL draft. a favorite of Fangio’s. If he continues to improve with each passing game, it’s safe to say the Eagles will be in good hands when BG retires at the end of the season.