The Eagles saw most of their 20 Free Agents leave from the Defensive side of the ball, losing 8 on the defense alone, with free-agent additions, top draft picks, and returning vets.
With a new staff with high ambitions, the Eagles should look to achieve a similarly ranked defense in the upcoming season.
Below let’s take a look at four Eagles that will make an impact on defense.
Jalen Carter
It’s obvious to expect big things from a 9th overall pick.
And it looks like Jalen Carter will provide it. OTA’s began less than a week ago, and the 6’3″, 300Lb defensive tackle is already sparking some headlines.
Dave Spadaro talks about what he’s seen from Jalen Carter early!!
Mentions that he heard he broke a blocking sled
#Eagles pic.twitter.com/gn2rgKzN75
— Philly Talk Podcast (@Philly_Mike25) May 31, 2023
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
While exaggerated and confirmed by Spadaro that Carter did not, in fact, break a sled. It’s a good sign that Carter has been positive in what few days of OTA’s we have seen.
During free agency, the Eagles lost Pro Bowl snub Javon Hargrave to the 49ers. A career high in sacks came from numerous Eagles last season, but replacing Javon’s 11 may prove difficult on top of Robert Quinn, Ndamukong Suh, and Linval Joseph departing from the Eagles. This will be a mountain to overcome.
With Jordan Davis expected to take a giant leap this year, the expectations for Carter will also be high as the Eagles look close to repeating a 70-sack season.
Kelee Ringo
The 105th pick in this year’s draft could be the Eagles’ solution for the future.
Having signed James Bradberry and extending Darius Slay during the off-season, the Eagles look to be locked up on paper. Depth was a concern and was showcased during Avonte Maddox’s several absences. The 2025 Free Agent has only played an entire season in 1 of his 5 seasons. Ringo can be the solution to any injuries in the secondary, as well as an improvement on other depth players.
The luxury of having depth throughout the roster also provides competition in OTA’s and training camp, which is now a crowded position with the addition of Greedy Williams. With success before the season starts, the Eagles could find themselves moving on from Josh Jobe or Josiah Scott if Ringo and Williams are able to lock down roster spots.
Ringo should be the next man up and the best man up when the need arises.
Nakobe Dean
Like Cam Jurgens, another 2022 Draft pick remained sidelined for most of the Eagles’ impressive run.
Nakobe Dean will look to fill the gap T.J. Edwards previously held.
The Week 13 blowout against the Tennessee Titans was fuel to the Nakobe hype train.
Taking over in the 2nd half, Dean was responsible for key plays that kept the Titans’ offense off the field. Most of the time Dean saw the field left a good impression and a need for more.
Now with the opportunity of the starting position, along with 3 more Georgia Bulldogs joining the defense, Dean will shine in his 2nd year as a part of the Eagles.
Brandon Graham
BG is back for what could end up being his final year.
The 13-year vet posted a career-high 11 sacks as part of the Eagles ‘ sack defense. If Graham is able to find that level of success for another season, his $5 Million extension will look like the steal of the decade for Howie Roseman.
And with a Defensive End position stacked with Reddick, Sweat, Smith, and Barnett. New Defensive Coordinator Sean Desai will have no trouble generating pressure and turnovers with his new defense.
We’re 101 days until Week 1.
Go Birds!
Photo: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
The post Four Eagles on Defense That Will Impact the 2023 Season appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.