Surprise, outrage, confusion; these adjectives described the Philadelphia Eagles’ fan base when the 26th name was read from Radio City Music Hall during this year’s NFL draft. Marcus Smith, a 22 year old defensive end from Louisville became an Eagle, and criticism became paramount.

At 6’3”, 258lbs, the newest Eagles’ defensive end will have large pull in Billy Davis’ scheme, and not only because of his size. While the 2014 front seven is set barring injury, Smith will see playing time for a unit that gets less rest between snaps than any other in football. Backing such a high-powered fast-paced offense requires tremendous depth and conditioning, so Smith’s role with the team may be greater than some would surmise.

As a change of pace option for Trent Cole and Connor Barwin, Smith will see the majority of his snaps filling in for Cole on presumed rushing downs, and Barwin against the pass. Cole is coming off a season in which he only had eight sacks, the lowest total in his time as a starter, and next season will be due nearly $12 million in guaranteed money. Smith will certainly take over for Cole next season assuming the rookie plays up to par, but what of the 2014 season?

Versatility with size is the name of the game on Chip Kelly’s defense, and Smith is no exception. The Louisville product is an excellent pass-defender for his size and can put pressure on the quarterback as well. Pass-rush was the largest area of need on Philadelphia’s defense coming off a season in which the team only reached the opposing quarterback 28 times. The ACC defensive player of the year in 2013 started 13 games for the Cardinals totaling 42 tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss and 14.5 sacks with three passes defended, four forced fumbles, and a blocked field goal. Projected to go in rounds 2-3, Marcus Smith could bring first round value to a reeling defensive unit.

In 36 games as a Louisville Cardinal, Smith totaled 83 tackles, 8 forced fumbles, 24 sacks, and 32 tackles for a loss. This is the type of backfield penetration that brought Smith into Kelly’s eye, and should propel him into a larger role as the 2014 season wears on. There is no doubt that the Eagles’ first rounder will see playing time at the start of the upcoming year, but production and quality of play will be the deciding factors regarding Smith’s time spent on the field in 2014.