Ex-Hardaway standout Marcus Smith eager to prove critics wrong

PHILADELPHIA -- Marcus Smith spent most of his rookie season watching from the sideline and barely contributed.

The Philadelphia Eagles expect more from their 2014 first-round pick.

"He's obviously way advanced from last year," coach Chip Kelly said Tuesday. "I think he feels more comfortable. He came back in really good shape, did a great job in the conditioning test and ran around the last two days. We are excited to see how that progresses."

Smith played quarterback at Hardaway High before he went to Louisville and was switched to defense. He had 14.5 sacks as a senior and became the first linebacker drafted in the first round (26th overall) by the Eagles since Jerry Robinson in 1979.

But Smith struggled adjusting to the NFL. He was inactive for two games, dressed but didn't play in six others and was on the field for only 68 snaps.

"It was all mental, everything, because I can play," Smith said. "I can rush the passer. I can do all the things they need me to do. The mental state -- you play around with yourself and you start asking yourself, 'Are you good enough to play in the NFL?' That's one thing; I had to revert to what I did in college. I feel like I'm a great player, I can rush and do all those things. So when I came back, I was ready."

Connor Barwin, a Pro Bowl pick last year, and Brandon Graham are Philadelphia's starting outside line

backers. Graham replaces Trent Cole, who signed with Indianapolis. Smith has a chance to fill Graham's spot in the rotation as the third guy. The depth chart took a hit when Travis Long, who was competing with Smith for playing time, sustained an ACL injury on Monday.

"His understanding of the scheme is in a whole another place," defensive coordinator Bill Davis said. "The rookie year is so hard. You know from the whole offseason after college ends, to the pressure of being a draft choice. The guys you see in the second year, they relax more, they're more themselves, they play smarter because they're not all nerved-up and we're hoping to see all those things come through with Marcus in this training camp."

Smith added muscle in the offseason, increasing his weight from 251 to 265. He's eager to make an impact on defense and prove he's not a first-round bust.

This story was originally published August 4, 2015 at 9:50 PM with the headline "Ex-Hardaway standout Marcus Smith eager to prove critics wrong ."