Was Nolan Smith Wrong Draft Pick for Philadelphia Eagles?

The Philadelphia Eagles enjoyed their Sunday from home as they hold an NFL-best 8-1 record at their bye week.

But it's the first bye week for No. 30 overall pick Nolan Smith, who hasn't performed as well as he could have.

Given his seven tackles through nine games as a first-round selection, Smith has left something to be desired. That's why Bleacher Report gave him a D in its rookie report cards through the first half of the season.

"It's not to say Smith was the wrong pick near the tail of the first round with such a limited sample size, but the most snaps he's accrued in a single game has been just nine," Bleacher Report writes. "Now, Philadelphia had the luxury of drafting 'BPA' (best player available) considering its limited roster holes, but another piece along the offensive line or a talent like safety/nickel Brian Branch could have presented a higher return on investment thus far. Smith had no choice in where he'd be drafted, but we can only grade him on what he's done with his limited number of snaps."

Smith has had to work through a stacked depth chart that has veterans Derek Barnett and Brandon Graham, both of whom are likely in their final year or two with the Eagles. That could spawn opportunity for Smith later on in his rookie contract, but for now, he has yet to make a significant impact with the Eagles in the first chunk of his career.

Perhaps Smith can make his mark when the Eagles return to the field next week against the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch on Monday, Nov. 20. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. from Arrowhead Stadium. The game can be watched on ESPN and ABC.