We're ranking the defensive position groups for the Philadelphia Eagles one-by-one, and while the final seedings leave room for debate, one thing is clear: defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has a surplus of talent at his disposal this coming season.
Eagles defensive position rankings entering the 2026 season
#5 - Safeties
Until the bright lights of the regular season switch on, the safety group comes in at #5, almost by default. The departure of reliable veteran Reed Blankenship has left a void, with Marcus Epps, Michael Carter, and others competing for veteran starting duties.
And following a turbulent rookie season marred by injury and momentary lapses in coverage, much-improved play from second-year man Andrew Mukuba is an absolute must for this unit to grade out well in 2026.
#4 - Edge Unit
While the individual talent level is high within this edge group, there remains plenty to show and prove as a collective. New addition Jonathan Greenard (trade - Minnesota) has to return to full health, and as the oldest of the group atop the edge depth chart, a highly productive season in both the pass rush and run-stopping phases is crucial.
All signs point to Hunt heading towards stardom, as the third-year edge rusher has been a wrecking ball all summer long. Nolan Smith remains a question mark, as inconsistent play and assorted injuries have provided more questions than answers surrounding his long-term potential in Philadelphia.
#3 - Inside Linebackers
Spearheaded by All-Pro Zack Baun, this unit is both deep and dangerous. Its only weakness is a lack of experience. Beyond Baun, second-year man Jihaad Campbell needs to stay healthy and fill the cleats of the since-departed Nakobe Dean (FA - Las Vegas). While Campbell graded out well when healthy this past season, he's also got serious in-house competition on his hands.
The potential for this group to reach new heights - and ascend to a higher ranking could come down to the performance of Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
The son of the original axe man in Philly has dominated in camp this summer, and his transformation from a solid backup and special teams standout to someone who appears on the verge of blowing up has been well-chronicled here. Don't be surprised to see Trotter Jr. chopping plenty of wood in more than a special teams capacity this season.
#2 - Defensive tackle
Our final two position group rankings came down to the wire, as the trio of Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Moro Ojomo can dance with any defensive trench unit out there.
Davis is fresh off a dominant 2025 season, while fellow Georgia Bulldog alum Carter is now locked up long-term as one of the most gifted defensive linemen in the game. Meanwhile, Ojomo is powering his own path to greatness. Entering a contract year, the former seventh-rounder has elevated his game from relative unknown to potential star in the making, and his best brand of football could be yet to come.
#1 - Cornerbacks
Sorry, Bulldogs. There can't be two number ones on this list, as the star-studded cornerback group takes top billing overall.
Boasting a pair of third-year corners in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, who have each earned All-Pro honors, locking down opposing wideouts has become commonplace in Philadelphia.
And of course, with DeJean manning the slot so often, that second boundary corner spot needed to be addressed. Howie Roseman didn't just give Fangio a serviceable addition there; he ushered in a freak athlete in Riq Woolen, who looks poised for a big season ahead.
Read more: Eagles fans finally got to see firsthand why they should buy stock in Riq Woolen
Opposing coordinators can target these corners at their own peril in 2026, making them our top-ranked position group on the defensive side of the ball.
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