Ranking every Eagles defensive position group by chance of making the 53-man roster
Philadelphia will officially move past Super Bowl 59 next Friday, when they finally unveil their gigantic championship rings just days before reporting to the NovaCare Complex for training camp. Nick Sirianni's team is focused on having a singular goal for the 2025 NFL regular season. Howie Roseman orchestrated another roster makeover in free agency, the 10-player NFL Draft, and several talented undrafted free agents. The Organized Team Activities and now the Mandatory Minicamp have concluded, and Philadelphia will get a five-week break before returning to the NovaCare Complex.
Training Camp begins in late July, with July 22 as the report day, followed by a practice on July 23. Although a surprise move or two could still be on the way, the majority of the work has been completed. After watching 12 players depart in free agency, Roseman added two dynamic SEC linebackers, an All-American pass rusher, three offensive linemen, and an accomplished quarterback from Philadelphia.
As we await the arrival of training camp, we're ranking every Eagles defensive position group by chance of making the 53-man roster.
DT -- 7
1: Jalen Carter
2: Jordan Davis
3: Ty Robinson
4: Moro Ojomo
5: Thomas Booker
6: Byron Young
7: Gabe Hall
During the regular season, Jalen Carter was 4th among interior DL with an 81.5 PFF pass-rush grade, behind Chris Jones (91.0), Cameron Heyward (87.2), and Jeffery Simmons (81.6) in that category. Davis logged 27 tackles (15 solo), one sack, and two passes defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2024. He added six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense across four playoff appearances.
Davis started every regular-season game for the second year in a row, but he logged 122 fewer defensive snaps and ceded snaps to second-year defensive lineman Moro Ojomo. Davis logged 27 tackles (15 solo), one sack, and two passes defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2024. He added six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense across four playoff appearances. Ojomo finished the 2024 season with 20 tackles (six solo) in 17 regular-season games. Ojomo saw a significant increase in workload in his second season with the Eagles, playing 370 defensive snaps and 70 special teams snaps while appearing in all 17 of the team's regular-season games. Ojomo will be a starter, following Milton Williams' departure.
Philadelphia selected Nebraska's Ty Brown in the fourth round for depth and physicality.
Edge Rusher -8
1: Nolan Smith Jr.
2: Jalyx Hunt
3: Azeez Ojulari
4: Josh Uche
5: Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. -Drafted Rookie
6: Patrick Johnson
7: KJ Henry
8: Ochaun Mathis
Philadelphia created salary cap space and competition with the trade of Bryce Huff to the 49ers for a mid-round pick in 2026. We're predicting that Hunt will get the first shot at replacing Josh Sweat, despite Josh Uche being signed. Hunt finished the 2024 season with 21 total tackles (12 solo), including 1.5 sacks, while adding one pass defended and two forced fumbles over 16 regular-season games. Former Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari is another explosive player to watch.
Philadelphia drafted All-American pass rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland in the sixth round.
LB -- 7
1: Zack Baun
2: Jihaad Campbell (Drafted Rookie)
3: Nakobe Dean (PUP List)
4: Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
5: Smael Mondon Jr. -Drafted Rookie
6: Dallas Gant
7: Lance Dixon - (undrafted rookie)
Baun is a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and All-Pro, while Trotter Jr. should get the first shot at replacing the injured Nakobe Dean. Campbell is the first-round pick, but won't be available until August. Philadelphia selected Smael Mondon Jr. in the fifth round, and he saw first-team snaps during OTAs.
CB -- 11
1A: Quinyon Mitchell
1A: Cooper DeJean
3: Kelee Ringo
4: Mac McWilliams-Drafted Rookie
5: Adoree' Jackson
6: Eli Ricks
7: Parry Nickerson
8: Tariq Castro-Fields
9: A.J. Woods
10: Brandon Johnson -(Undrafted rookie)
11: B.J. Mayes - (undrafted rookie)
Kelee Ringo should get the first opportunity to replace the departed Darius Slay, while Adoree Jackson has history as a starting cornerback in the NFC East. Mitchell and DeJean are stars and should be even more productive in 2025. Philadelphia drafted Mac McWilliams and signed two undrafted rookies.
S -- 7
1: Reed Blankenship
2: Andrew Mukuba- (Unsigned Rookie)
3: Sydney Brown
4: Tristin McCollum
5: Lewis Cine
6: Andre Sam
7: Maxen Hook -(Undrafted rookie)
Reed Blankenship is a veteran and a top safety in the NFL, while Andrew Mukuba is a budding second-round pick and a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Sydney Brown, Tristin McCollum, and Lewis Cine will compete for snaps.
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