Inside the Iggles
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Projecting the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2017 depth chart

By Ryan Quigley

May 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles helmets lined up on the indoor turf during OTA's at the NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles helmets lined up on the indoor turf during OTA's at the NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) reacts to a stop against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) reacts to a stop against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

  1. Defensive end: Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Vinny Curry, Chris Long, Steven Means
  2. Defensive tackle: Fletcher Cox, Timmy Jernigan, Destiny Vaeao, Beau Allen (INJURED)

The Eagles’ defensive line could take a huge step forward in 2017. Brandon Graham is one of the top defensive ends in the NFL. With the addition of Derek Barnett, the Eagles could have an exciting pair of book-end pass rushers on the defensive line. And let’s also not forget about Vinny Curry and Chris Long, who the Eagles signed to a two-year deal in free agency.

Defensive tackle will be interesting. Fletcher Cox and Timmy Jernigan are the unquestioned starters, but with Beau Allen injured, who will end up taking his place? Destiny Vaeao will probably be the fill-in. He played well in limited action last season. The Eagles could also go with sixth-round rookie Elijah Qualls, who would likely specialize on running downs.

A name left off this list is defensive end Marcus Smith. The Eagles have unsurprisingly chosen not to use a fifth-year option on Smith, which could indicate that they are ready to move on from him.

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