The Philadelphia Eagles have two preseason games in the books, and the starting lineup on the defensive side of the football is becoming more evident with Week 1 of the regular season less than a month away.
The defensive line offers the most intrigue, with Brandon Graham likely sacrificing his role as a starter in Jonathan Gannon’s hybrid defensive scheme.
Haason Reddick will assume the role as a standup pass rusher opposite Josh Reddick, allowing Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave to continue as the top inside tackles.
With training camp and two weeks of the preseason in the books, we’re predicting what the Eagles starting lineup will look like in 2022.
SAM/DE -- Haason Reddick
Brandon Graham is no longer a starter in Jonathan Gannon’s hybrid scheme, and it also allows three athletic linebackers on the field.
2nd: Brandon Graham
3rd: Patrick Johnson
DT -- Fletcher Cox
Jordan Davis will be a star, but his time isn’t now, and Cox will retain his familiar role.
2nd: Milton Williams
3rd: Marvin Wilson
DT -- Javon Hargrave
Hargrave is the established veteran, and his cautious return from injury has provided Jordan Davis with plenty of reps.
2nd: Jordan Davis
3rd: Marlon Tuipulotu
DE -- Josh Sweat
Sweat has a chance to top his 7.5 sacks from 2021 with Reddick added to the roster.
2nd: Derek Barnett
3rd: Tarron Jackson
MLB -- T.J. Edwards
Nakobe Dean is a future star, but T.J. Edwards is the top dog at middle linebacker, and Philadelphia will benefit from his presence.
2nd: Nakobe Dean
3rd: Shaun Bradley
WILL -- Kyzir White
White is a tremendous upgrade at the weakside linebacker spot, and his speed and coverage strengths will trickle down on the backend.
2nd: Davion Taylor
3rd: JaCoby Stevens
CB -- Darius Slay
Slay is the guy, and with two or three elite years left, the Eagles will need to find his eventual replacement.
2nd: Josh Jobe
3rd: Tay Gowan
CB -- James Bradberry
Bradberry’s addition could be the most important in a potential playoff run. His size outside gives Jonathan Gannon options in matchups with physical receivers on opposing teams.
2nd: Zech McPhearson
3rd: Mario Goodrich
Slot CB -- Avonte Maddox
Maddox has developed into one of the top nickel cornerbacks in the NFL, and he also gives the Eagles a top-five trio.
2nd: Josiah Scott
3rd: Josh Blackwell
S -- Marcus Epps
Epps enters his first year as a full-time starter, and he’s the best player on the roster at the position currently.
2nd: Andre Chachere
3rd: Ugo Amadi
S -- Anthony Harris
The veteran has the most familiarity in Gannon’s system and is coming off a solid 2021 season. K’Von Wallace is improving, and Reed Blankenship is a player to watch in 2023.
2nd: K’Von Wallace
3rd: Jaquiski Tartt
