Brandon Graham replacement named Eagles' X-Factor (and the NFL better be ready)

In an offseason that saw the Philadelphia Eagles lose some of their top defensive players over the last five years, plus, the youth movement has provided enough excitement for the team to continue to press forward.

One of the toughest losses of the offseason was Eagles' edge rusher Brandon Graham, who retired after 15 years with the organization. Josh Sweat was another bittersweet loss for Philadelphia in free agency, leaving questions about their defensive line.

The good news is that all hope isn't lost, thanks to the work Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has done in developing the younger players on the roster. That has left optimism that Philadelphia has the next great edge rusher on the team that will impact the 2025 season.

Eagles former first rounder ready to step into the shoes of Graham and Sweat in 2025

PFF writers Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman collaborated on a comprehensive article that analyzed each NFL team's strengths, weaknesses, rookies to watch, projected starting lineup, and X-Factors. Chadwick and Wasserman are looking at Nolan Smith Jr. to be the X-Factor on the Eagles to replace Graham and Sweat.

"Philadelphia lost longtime contributors Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham this offseason, which puts third-year man Nolan Smith in the spotlight off the edge. Smith posted a solid 68.3 PFF pass-rush grade last season as he began to earn more playing time. In Philadelphia’s four postseason games, he racked up 19 pressures and four sacks. If he can produce at that level for a full season, the Eagles will have no problem replacing their departed stars."

Smith was the 30th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Eagles, and he has slowly worked his way up into the lineup. Last year, he made his first 10 starts on the team and emerged as a dominant force, finishing second on the team in sacks with 6.5, behind Sweat, and adding 11 quarterback hits.

Philadelphia got the most production out of Smith in the postseason as he showed his true potential after four sacks in four games. He added 16 tackles, five quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, and a forced fumble to help the Eagles win the Super Bowl.

Sweat and Graham were both players that didn't truly come out of their shell of potential under year three and then the Eagles saw what they could do. Smith seems to be ahead of where they were in development and is only going to get better at 24.

The Eagles are looking at Smith to be their top edge rusher, with questions still surrounding the rest of the position. Philadelphia's defensive line is already set up for success with Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, also two of the best in the NFL on the defensive line.

Philadelphia's untapped potential on defense is insane with the young talent. Smith has a real chance to be a quarterback's nightmare in 2025.