Defensive Tackle (4)
– Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Malik Jackson, Hassan Ridgeway
Something that hasn’t been spoken about all offseason is that fact the Eagles may have the best defensive tackle rotation in all of football. If all four of these DT’s can stay healthy, the Eagles defense can make their case to be one of the top defenses in all of football. Last season, Fletcher Cox only tallied 3 sacks while all of his supporting class faded away into the IR sunset.
Hargrave is the true wildcard this time around as the newly signed defensive tackle has missed most of training camp due to a pectoral injury. Hargrave has the potential to wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines. His presence in the middle will force teams to pick their poison between him and Cox.
Malik Jackson is the third man in the middle that can also be a true difference-maker this season. The veteran tackle made his debut with the team last season but it was cut short due to a season-ending injury. Jackson has been playing outstanding this offseason and is looking rejuvenated according to the coaching staff.
Defensive End (6)
– Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, Vinny Curry, Casey Toohill, Genard Avery
Oddly enough, the team didn’t add much to the DE group outside of drafting Casey Toohill in the final round. Toohill surprisingly beat out both Shareef Miller and Joe Ostman for a spot on the 53 man roster.
Two players to keep an eye on for the next several days will be Derek Barnett and Genard Avery. Barnett has been out for most of the training camp and Avery is expected to miss multiple weeks. Barnett is entering a contract year where he needs to produce. As for Avery, the team invested a 4th round pick in him in. The hopes are that he will be able to contribute this season.
Linebacker (6)
– Nathan Gerry, TJ Edwards, Duke Riley, Shaun Bradley, Davion Taylor, Alex Singleton
The Eagles didn’t cut any of their linebackers. So I guess this means that they actually do value the position. Possibly the youngest group on the roster, the Eagles linebackers are an interesting bunch. While many are sold on the potential of TJ Edwards, Duke Riley has now entered the conversation as a leader in this group.
The Eagles traded for Riley last season and he contributed mostly to special teams. With a young group of players, the team will be hoping this group can contribute in a big way.
Cornerbacks (6)
– Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, Nickel Robey-Coleman, Cre’von LeBlanc, Craig James
It was hard to say goodbye but it was necessary. The Eagles have officially moved on from both Sidney Jones and Rasul Douglas but in doing so the may have ended up one man short. The team will be going to battle with newly acquired cornerbacks Darius Slay and Nickell Robey-Coleman in hopes that this secondary will be the opposite of who they were last season.
Avonte Maddox is expected to man the 2nd outside position with Craig James and Cre’von LeBlanc in the backup roles. The Eagles could still be looking to make one more addition to this group. Maddox has missed some time this offseason due to a lower-body injury, so who knows what condition he’ll be in by week 1.
Safeties (6)
– Rodney McLeod, Jalen Mills, Will Parks, K’von Wallace, Marcus Epps, Rudy Ford
The Eagles have gone rogue when it comes to infusing the team with youth. The Eagles moved on from Malcolm Jenkins but re-signed Rodney McLeod in hopes that he’ll be the new voice of the DB room. They also brought back Jalen Mills but moved him to safety which he played enough of in college.
Will Parks is the vet that they consider to be their swiss army knife but he’ll be missing the next couple of weeks with a hamstring strain. That leaves K’Von Wallace with the opportunity to sneak his way into the starting lineup. Wallace was a fourth-round steal that the team is hoping will develop into a long time starter for the franchise.
As for Rudy Ford and Marcus Epps, well, Ford is a special teams ace for the team. Epps is a raw prospect who had his fair share of ups and downs last season but has left a lasting impression on Jim Schwartz. Schwartz raved about the way that Epps studied the playbook and made strides in the right direction this offseason.
Special Teams (3)
– Jake Elliott, Cameron Johnston, Rick Lovato
One of the few consistent groups on the roster will be the elite special teams unit. Jake Elliot will continue to be their field goal ace as Cameron Johnston will be handling punt duties.
Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire
