Last summer, the Eagles entered the 2023 NFL season fresh off a Super Bowl loss while maintaining one of the league’s most dominant defensive units. The Birds lost Jonathan Gannon, who accepted the Cardinals’ coaching job. Sean Desai was inserted as defensive coordinator, and the team jumped out to a 10-1 start before the wheels fell off.
Philadelphia lost six of its final seven games, including a 32-9 blowout loss to the Buccaneers in the wild-card round. Desai was fired as DC and replaced by Vic Fangio, the architect of the scheme. Bryce Huff was signed in free agency, while Haason Reddick was traded away.
With the Eagles just five days away from a much-hyped season-opening matchup against the Packers from Sao Paulo, Brazil, we’re comparing last year’s defensive unit to the 2024 version.
DL
2023: Jalen Carter, Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Kentavius Street, Marlon Tuipulotu, Milton Williams
2024: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, Thomas Booker
Fletcher Cox has retired, while Byron Jones replaces the departed Marlon Tuipulotu. Thomas Booker and Moro Ojomo offer pass-rush potential.
Edge Rusher
2023: Derek Barnett, Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Patrick Johnson, Haason Reddick, Nolan Smith
2024: Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Patrick Johnson, Nolan Smith, Bryce Huff, Jalyx Hunt
Bryce Huff replaces the departed Haason Reddick. Huff is younger than Reddick, and he’s an emerging pass rusher. Jalyx Hunt is an athletic marvel off the edge. Nolan Smith’s progression will be the most scrutinized.
LB
2023: Zach Cunningham, Nakobe Dean, Christian Elliss
2024: Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Ben VanSumeren, Devin White, Oren Burks
Thanks to another standout training camp, Ben VanSumeren made the Eagles’ 53-man roster, outplaying Oren Burks and others. Devin White offers a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker.
CB
2023: James Bradberry, Mario Goodrich, Josh Jobe, Avonte Maddox, Eli Ricks. Kelee Ringo, Darius Slay
2024: Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell, Eli Ricks, Kelee Ringo, Isaiah Rodgers, Darius Slay
After a disappointing finish to 2023, Howie Roseman selected cornerbacks with the first two picks in the 2024 NFL draft. Avonte Maddox is now a safety, along with James Bradberry, while Josh Jobe is with the Seahawks practice squad.
Safety
2023: Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Terrell Edmunds, Justin Evans
2024: Reed Blankenship, James Bradberry, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Avonte Maddox, Tristin McCollum
Sydney Brown is on the PUP list and will be a factor in 2024. Reed Blankenship has developed into a solid NFL safety, while C.J. Gardner-Johnson returns the swagger to the Eagles lineup. Tristin McCollum has developed into a solid rotational piece.
