Eagles’ projected defensive depth chart following the 2022 NFL Draft
The Eagles entered the 2022 NFL offseason looking to retool a middle-of-the-pack defense that lacked sacks, versatility at linebacker, and a game-wrecking run-stopper along the defensive line.
A unit that was ridiculed weekly last season, Jonathan Gannon’s defense has been infused with some difference-making players at several key positions.
Gannon’s updated scheme now includes Haason Reddick as a bonafide pass rusher and Kyzir White as an off-ball, sideline-to-sideline playmaker, along with noted winners Jordan Davis (first round) and linebacker Nakobe Dean (third round).
With the defense having a new and improved looked, here’s an early projection of the defensive depth chart following the draft.
DL
Nyj Vs Phi
LDE Brandon Graham– starter, Tarron Jackson, Matt Leo
DT Fletcher Cox — starter, Milton Williams, Renell Wren, Marvin Wilson
DT Javon Hargrave — starter, Jordan Davis, Noah Elliss, Marlon Tuipulotu,
RDE Josh Sweat — starter, Derek Barnett, Ali Fayad
The Eagles’ foursome of Graham, Cox, Hargrave, and Sweat is among the NFL’s best, and the additions of Jordan Davis, Ali Fayad, and Noah Elliss could make this defense even more versatile.
LB
(Courier-Post photo / USA TODAY Network)
SAM Haason Reddick — starter, Kyron Johnson, Patrick Johnson, Joe Ostman
MLB T.J. Edwards — starter, Nakobe Dean, Shaun Bradley, Christian Elliss
WILL Kyzir White — starter, Davion Taylor, JaCoby Stevens
Reddick brings an added dynamic as an edge rusher who Jonathan Gannon can let loose from any position.
The camp battle or matchup to watch will be at the middle linebacker position, where T.J. Edwards is the starter and just signed a one-year extension. The Eagles drafted former Georgia All-American linebacker Nakobe Dean in the third round and the expectation is that he’ll earn the job, but Edwards is battle tested and has proved the doubters wrong for three straight years now.
The depth at the linebacker position can’t be denied.
DB
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
CB Darius Slay — starter, Tay Gowan, Mario Goodrich, Craig James
Slot Avonte Maddox — starter, Josiah Scott, Kary Vincent Jr.
CB Zech McPhearson –starter, Josh Jobe, Mac McCain, Josh Blackwell
FS Marcus Epps — starter, Andre Chachere, Reed Blankenship
SS Anthony Harris — starter, K’Von Wallace, Jared Mayden
Darius Slay is the leader of a young outside cornerback group that’ll compete for a chance to start opposite the Pro Bowl coverman.
Avonte Maddox is solid in the slot and Marcus Epps should have a breakout season at safety.
Over/Under: 119.5 T.J. Edwards total tackles in '22-23?
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