The Philadelphia Eagles are now just days away from kickstarting their 2024 season, but how does the defense compare to the unit that took to the field in 2023?
Eagles roster comparison: Defense edition
EDGE
2023: Nolan Smith, Haason Reddick, Patrick Johnson, Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Derek Barnett
2024: Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson
There has been a fair amount of change at the defensive end position this year. Haason Reddick has been replaced by Bryce Huff, and Jalyx Hunt enters frame as a promising young rookie.
The veterans largely remain. While losing Reddick’s production hurts, you could argue that there is more upside with this group now that Nolan Smith is poised to take a big step, and he’s joined by an exciting pass-rusher in Bryce Huff, and an athletically gifted rookie in Jalyx Hunt.
Verdict: 2024
Defensive Tackle:
2023: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Marlon Tuipolotu, Fletcher Cox, Milton Williams, Kentavius Street
2024: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo, Thomas Booker IV, Byron Young
Bidding goodbye to Fletcher Cox was a difficult task, but the Eagles have stacked the shelves to replace him. The late addition of Byron Young figures to be a low-risk, high-reward move, and he’ll be working behind both Williams and Ojomo who figure to take on solid rotational roles in 2024, supporting the dominant starting tandem. Depth is aplenty, as is versatility.
Verdict: 2024
Linebacker
2023: Nakobe Dean, Zach Cunningham, Christian Elliss
2024: Devin White, Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Ben VanSumeren
What a difference a year makes. While it’s not the most dominant position group in the NFL, the Eagles finally have some sense of direction at linebacker after years of instability. Devin White and Zack Baun will lead the group in 2024 with plenty of long-term options in behind ready for some defensive snaps.
Verdict: 2024
Cornerback
2023: Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox, Eli Ricks, Kelee Ringo, Josh Jobe, Mario Goodrich
2024: Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Isaiah Rodgers Jr., Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks, Cooper DeJean
The secondary might be the strongest area of this defense. First-round selection Quinyon Mitchell has forced his way into the starting nickel role, while Isaiah Rodgers Jr. burst onto the scene upon his NFL return and secured the CB2 spot, knocking James Bradberry to Safety. With Kelee Ringo performing as a fringe-starter, the Eagles are stacked and should be ready for any situation in 2024.
Verdict: 2024
Safety
2023: Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Terrell Edmunds, Justin Evans
2024: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship, Tristin McCollum, Avonte Maddox, James Bradberry
James Bradberry will start the season on IR so depth is a little light, but Sydney Brown should be ramping up for game action within the first few weeks of the season. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson’s return alone immediately elevates this group over the one that took the field in 2023, and having someone like Avonte Maddox back there to help out can only help, with no consequence to the nickel spot.
Edict: 2024
Specialists:
They have the same 3 specialists as they did last year, so the verdict is the same as it was in 2023: Extremely solid.
Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
