First and second-year Eagles projected to start in 2023

The names on the backs of many of the jerseys have changed, but we're expecting big things from the Eagles' defense this season.

Philly lost the top two safeties and linebackers from last year's depth chart, but they added some talent to fill the voids left. They also return a hometown product for the second year of a three-year deal he signed on March 16th of 2022.

Haason Reddick, EDGE/linebacker

This is year seven for Haason Reddick, his second in the City of Brotherly Love. Year one was phenomenal. We can't wait to see what he does for an encore. Don't look now, but he's bringing reinforcements with him.

Nicholas Morrow, linebacker

Nicholas Morrow spent his first four NFL seasons with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2017-2020) before starting all 17 regular-season games for the Chicago Bears last season. In two career contests versus the Eagles, he stacked 14 tackles on 123 defensive snaps. It will be interesting to see what he does as a member of the nest while playing on a one-year deal.

Terrell Edmunds, safety

Terrell Edmunds didn't dominate any headlines when his acquisition was announced, but he is much better than what is being advertised. He started 75 of his 79 career regular-season games as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also racked up 12 tackles during two career postseason games.

We love Marcus Epps, but make no mistake about it. This is an upgrade for the Birds at the safety position that may prove to be a better down-by-down producer than C.J. Gardner-Johnson was. The latter was special, but he, at times, got overhyped because he made a lot of splash plays that landed him on Sportscenter.

Reed Blankenship, safety

Reed Blankenship was one of three undrafted rookie free agents that made the 53-man roster at the end of the Eagles' preseason. He'll start this time around after doing, in 2022, what is asked of every NFL player, making the most of an opportunity he was presented with.

He's quickly becoming a fan favorite. We believe he's going to be good for a long time, and you should believe that as well. He's focused on being great and he's special.

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