Nolan Smith Jr.'s tough self assessment tells Eagles fans all they need to know

The Philadelphia Eagles are looking for growth from their young players on the roster. Even when they have tough days on the field, it's not a bad thing if they are self aware.

Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. had this moment as the team is looking for him to replace Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham in the starting lineup. Smith spoke with the media about his tough day at training camp and his mindset moving forward.

“I just felt like I had a bad day,” Smith said after Day 2 via Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports. “There’s days like that, especially when you’re going against an All-Pro tackle. You just have to keep your head down and work. I gotta keep stacking days. Today wasn’t perfect for me neither. Just gotta keep going.”

Smith's self evaluation is exactly what Eagles fans want to hear

Philly sees Smith on the path to success in 2025 after a solid 2024 campaign. He finished with 6.5 sacks, which was good for second on the team. Smith also had 42 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, two pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble in 16 games.

The former 2023 first-round pick has shown his potential to be the next great Eagles pass rusher. He's athletic and quick off the edge, as he can play linebacker and on the defensive line.

There's so much uncertainty with the edge rusher position with Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, and Josh Uche there. The potential is there, but whether they can take over as starters is the biggest question mark entering the NFL season.

Expectations are high for Smith as the media has been popular on naming him a breakout candidate in 2025. The Eagles fan base hopes that will be the case.