Eagles’ Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith under pressure to make big leap

The Philadelphia Eagles training camp is underway, and for two 2023 first-round picks its time to take their games to another level. 33rd Team’s Jeff Diamond mentioned the two former Georgia Bulldogs on a list of NFL second-year players who are under pressure to perform this upcoming season.

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First up, the former NFL Executive of the Year mentioned Jalen Carter, who was the Eagles first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft at No. 9 overall. The 6-foot-3, 313-pound Georgia product started all 17 regular-season games at defensive tackle, ending with six sacks and 33 tackles as a rookie.

The Philadelphia Eagles are looking for bigger production than six sacks and 33 tackles from Jalen Carter, whose play fell off late last season as the Eagles' defense faded.
Carter had to overcome off-season issues and a logjam at defensive tackle in his rookie season, but Fletcher Cox's retirement opens up a starting spot.
Carter is reportedly in better condition and should benefit from new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme. Carter's breakout would be a significant factor as the Eagles seek to dethrone the Cowboys in the NFC East.

The other Georgia product, Nolan Smith, was the No. 30 overall pick in the first-round in 2023 and could have a much bigger impact in this sophomore season for the Eagles.

Last year for the Eagles, Smith made little to no impact, but was able to show his speed in his limited action with 13 tackles, five hurries three QB hits, a sack and a tackle for loss in 188 snaps in 2023.

It was supposed to be a big coup when the Eagles landed the blazing-fast Nolan Smith 30th overall in the 2023 first round.
He wound up getting the bulk of his playtime on special teams as he backed up Reddick (who was traded to the Jets this offseason). Smith played every game but finished the season with only one sack, three quarterback hits, and 18 tackles.
Smith will compete with Bryce Huff and Josh Sweat for playtime, and the Eagles hope he plays up to his first-round status in Year 2 on a defense that slipped late last season.

Here is the full list of second-Year Players Under Most Pressure To Perform In 2024

The Best Philly Athletes Age 25 or Younger

Philadelphia has some great young athletes right now, from All-Star Tyrese Maxey to two first-round draft picks on the Eagles Defensive Line (Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter). In honor of the Philly Sports Youth Movement, here is my ranking of the Top Ten Philadelphia Professional Athletes who are 25 years old or younger:

Gallery Credit: Josh Hennig/Townsquare Media