When the Philadelphia Eagles drafted Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, it was certainly... notable. Suffice to say it worked out.
What also helped the cause was the selection of DeVonta Smith and Landon Dickerson one year later. Both were Hurts' former teammates with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Naturally, many thought Howie Roseman's decision to take the best players from one of the NCAA's best programs was a no-brainer. Why wouldn't he add Unanimous All-American players from Alabama?
Little did we know what was about to come barking down the pike for the Eagles. They had discovered a winning strategy that they'd stick to.
A big reason the Eagles' top-ranked defense has been so dominant is the growth of their 'Dawgs' from the SEC.
Just as the balance of power was shifting in the SEC from Alabama to the Georgia Bulldogs, the Eagles felt it would be prudent to take advantage... And, boy did they ever!
The Eagles drafted mammoth defensive tackle Jordan Davis in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Linebacker Nakoke Dean was taken in the third.
In 2023, they outdid themselves by drafting three more Dawgs. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge-rusher Nolan Smith were acquired in the first round. They'd also add cornerback Kelee Ringo in the fourth round.
It should also be noted that they also drafted guard Tyler Steen out of Alabama in the third round of 2023. You know... They did that for good measure. Two Clemson players were also drafted in 2024 by the Eagles, so maybe we should all keep our eyes peeled to see if their cupboard is raided in the future.
The point is this. All of these former Georgia Bulldog defenders have come into their own, and their maturation seemingly coincides with the Eagles being home to the NFL's best defense. The Birds are truly championship-caliber.
Jalen Carter has always been a game wrecker, one able to create gridlock at the line of scrimmage and collapse the pocket around a quarterback, pretty much by himself. That has never been more evident than in the Eagles' early-season victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Nolan Smith and Nakobe Dean have rounded into form this season. The latter has benefited from playing alongside Zack Baun. Both have flown all over the field.
Dean's game-clinching end zone interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars is the perfect example of his athleticism and versatility. Smith meanwhile, has suddenly become a force off the edge. Nolan is getting it done timely sacks and pressures. His 5.5 sacks rank second on the team behind Josh Sweat.
Davis is an interesting case. He may not have the sack numbers that come with being a 13th-overall pick, but his monolith-like frame is perfect for clogging up two-to-three offensive linemen. He has closed lanes and has allowed his teammates to run wild.
Ringo may not be a starter, but he's a good special teams player. Every time he has been asked to step into the lineup at corner, he has done so with great aplomb. He should see increased playing time as time passes and veterans like Darius Slay move on. There are several veterans, Isaiah Rodgers for instance, ahead of him on the depth chart.
Say it with us. It's been a while The NFL's best defense belongs to the Philadelphia Eagles. It can carry them to the mountaintop i.e. the Super Bowl podium. The Eagles have an opportunity to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The emergence of their Philly Dawgs is arguably the biggest reason for that being true.