The Philadelphia Eagles' defense suffered some key losses during the offseason, but that hasn't stopped anyone from believing it remains one of the top units in the league.
NFL.com deputy editor Gennaro Filice ranked the top 10 best defenses in the NFL entering the 2025 season. Filice had the Eagles at number two, behind the Denver Broncos, as there is a belief defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will have this young unit ready to go, with only one position under question.
"The Super Bowl champs suffered substantial defensive attrition this offseason, losing three full-time starters (OLB Josh Sweat, CB Darius Slay and S C.J. Gardner-Johnson), a budding star (DT Milton Williams) and one of the most beloved Eagles of the 21st century (OLB Brandon Graham). And yet, I won’t be the least bit surprised if Vic Fangio fields the NFL’s stingiest defense for a second consecutive season.
The biggest question mark on Philly’s entire roster is probably CB2, with Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson battling for the starting role. Bottom line: While the Eagles must replace a number of key cogs from last season’s dominant D, Howie Roseman has hoarded enough talent to achieve a smooth transition."
The Eagles have everything they need to repeat as Super Bowl champs on their defense
There wasn't a better defense in the NFL last year than the Eagles were, as they were the only unit to allow less than 300 yards a game at 278.4. They were even better against the pass, allowing just 174.2 yards per game. Philly was also second in points per game with 17.8.
Losing Sweat, Williams, and Graham were tough, but the Eagles are still loaded at all three levels of the defense. Jalen Carter is a star in the making on the defensive line, linebacker Zack Baun was one of the best defensive players in 2024, and the combination of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the secondary is scary.
The Eagles just need to see leaps from their young edge rushers in Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt. Smith was second on the team last year in sacks with 6.5 and Hunt just needs to get more playing time.
Fangio also does need to figure out what he is going to do with the other outside corner opposite of Mitchell. DeJean could see playing time there, but he will move around at safety and slot as well. Ringo has more experience in the defense, which might give him the edge over Jackson.
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These are just small things with a defensive unit that is loaded with young talent under the age of 25. The defense will be together for a while so every NFL team will have to prepare for the high level of play for years to come.