Ranking every Philadelphia Eagles defensive unit ahead on the preseason
. . Defensive end. 4. player. 54.
There’s talent at defensive end and cornerback, but how deep are the Eagles at both positions?
If we could somehow accelerate the clock and make the first regular season game one that was to be played next weekend, we’d have no problem naming both Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat as the starters at the defensive end position. Something tells us that the Birds will be stubborn and start Derek Barnett though.
Either way, that’s a nice trio, and we haven’t even brought up second-year man Tarron Jackson. He showed us flashes during his rookie season. There’s just one problem though.
Even though B.G.’s recent injury appears to be an outlier and the exception to the rule, none of these guys are indestructible. If one or two of these guys gets hurt, this unit goes from being ‘great’ to ‘very good’, and the oldest member of the bunch, Graham, might be the one guy Philly can ill-afford to lose.
player. 54. . . . Cornerback. 3
As is the case with the defensive ends, there are questions about depth here.
The starting trio, James Bradberry, Darius Slay, and Avonte Maddox is, without question, one of the most talented outside and slot trios that we’ve seen in Eagles green. Fingers are crossed, however, that no one gets hurt.
If there are any unforeseen injuries, the Birds will be forced to rely on unproven talent. Then again, that can be said about just about every position on every team.