The Philadelphia Eagles’ obsession with Georgia Bulldogs talent has been no secret, but even general manager Howie Roseman had to admit it stung a little. When Philly drafted linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. with the 30th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Roseman, a die-hard Florida Gators fan and alumnus, couldn’t help but make a confession.
Nolan Smith Jr. Had Perfect Response to Howie Roseman’s Welcome Call
Back when the Eagles drafted Smith, Roseman made a call to the Bulldogs’ pass rusher. As Smith picked up the phone, Roseman said, “How you doing, brother? You know, I’m a Florida Gator man. Do you know how much this hurts my soul to take all these Georgia Bulldogs?”
“You want to win, though,” Smith replied. Roseman responded, “I do want to win. I do want to win more than you know. Congratulations man. You’re coming to Philly.” Looks like Roseman’s bet paid off.
Remember when Eagles GM Howie Roseman, a Florida alum, said it hurt his soul to draft all these Bulldogs? Nolan Smith told him, "But you want to win…"pic.twitter.com/tWG9kHUtlo
— Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) February 11, 2025
Less than two years after being drafted, Smith played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning defense, helping Philadelphia crush the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in New Orleans. Smith and the Eagles’ defense put on a masterclass against Patrick Mahomes and Company, holding Kansas City to just 225 total yards and forcing three turnovers.
The former Georgia athlete recorded four sacks in Philadelphia’s four postseason games, proving that Roseman’s Georgia-heavy strategy was paying dividends. His Bulldogs-filled roster featuring DE Jalen Carter, DB Lewis Cine, DT Jordan Davis, CB Kelee Ringo, and Smith just might be the blueprint for sustained success in Philadelphia.
Smith Brings His Career Back on Track
Smith’s rise from a struggling rookie to an established pass rusher for the Eagles is one of the NFL’s best comeback stories. He had just one sack in his first 21 career games but has blossomed under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system. In his last 15 games, the 24-year-old boasts 10.5 sacks in his last 15 games. The reason? It all started with veteran DE Brandon Graham’s advice.
“When I had nobody else in my corner, man, B.G. [Graham] was in my corner. He told me to keep my head down and keep working,” Smith said. The results speak for themselves. Smith’s grind transformed him from a postseason nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Jeremiah Washburn also played his part in Smith’s development.
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Washburn has given Smith rare insight into how blockers think. “He was an enemy for a long time,” Smith stated. “So when he tells you what offenses are going to do, you listen.”
The Eagles’ defense dominated under Fangio. Smith is now an asset in one of the NFL’s youngest, most feared units under the tutelage of Sirianni and Fangio.