To run a 4-3? Or a 3-4? That is one of the main questions surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles defense as rookie minicamp kicks off. It’s the first time Eagle fans will be able to see first-round stalwart, Jordan Davis, and third-round steal, Nakobe Dean in Eagle uniforms.
With still over a couple of months away from any legitimate football being played, the question of Davis’ playtime in this mystery scheme will be widely debated. In reality, the answer is quite simple.
Dean and Davis both made the case that they played in multiple different defensive schemes in Georgia, but it’s clear the team needs to fit their defensive alignment to their new defensive tackle.
The best comparison to this was in 2011. When future Hall-of-Famer Von Miller was coming out of Texas A&M, there were many scouts that questioned his ability to play defensive end in a 4-3 defense. As we all know, that turned out just fine.
The same thought process needs to be taken into account with Jordan Davis. No defensive tackle has rated higher than Jordan Davis from a RAS standpoint. That doesn’t just happen by accident.
It’s clear the Eagles are going to be looking to use Davis in all different facets to get the most out of his freakish talent. But whether it’s a 3-4 or a 5-2, it’s clear the Eagles definitely need to let Davis be the dynamic player he was in Georgia.
By updating the defense to fit Davis’ skillset, it will allow a player like Nakobe Dean, who has already played under a scheme like that, to thrive. And with it, the success of the Eagles will only increase.
Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire
