Eagles projected defensive depth chart entering training camp

The Eagles enter training camp with a defense that looks dramatically different from the one that finished last season, but the new structure may give Vic Fangio one of the most athletic and flexible groups in the NFC. Philadelphia is still built through the trenches with Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo, but the strength of the roster could shift toward a loaded cornerback room led by Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Riq Woolen. The biggest questions are not about whether the Eagles have talent. They are about how quickly the new pieces settle, how the edge-rusher rotation forms, and who earns the safety and linebacker roles around the established core.

DTThe defensive line begins with Carter, Davis, and Ojomo. Carter played through two badly injured shoulders last season and still became the Eagles’ lone Pro Bowl starter, producing 33 tackles, 41 quarterback pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and three sacks in 12 games. Davis signed a three-year, $78 million deal and remains central to Philadelphia’s run defense, while Ojomo enters the final year of his contract after seeing his snap count rise and finishing second on the team in sacks. Ty Robinson and Byron Young give the Eagles young rotational options, while Gabe Hall is trying to secure a depth role.

OLBEdge rusher is one of the most important camp battles. Jonathan Greenard arrives as the projected top-of-the-rotation pass rusher, giving Fangio a veteran presence who can work off the interior disruption created by Carter and Davis. Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith remain major pieces of the plan, with Hunt coming off a season in which he led the team in sacks and interceptions, while Smith needs to turn pressure flashes into more consistent production after missing time in 2025. Arnold Ebiketie, A.J. Epenesa, Uar Bernard, Jose Ramirez, Ta’Quon Graham, Keyshawn James-Newby, and Joshua Weru will compete for rotational snaps and roster spots after Joe Tryon-Shoyinka’s retirement removed one veteran from the room.

LBLinebacker remains led by Zack Baun, while Jihaad Campbell’s shoulder recovery will shape the rest of the depth chart. Campbell’s playing time was limited when Nakobe Dean returned last season, but Dean’s departure creates a clearer path once Campbell is healthy. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. enter camp looking for breakout opportunities, while Chance Campbell, Deontae Lawson, and Chandler Martin are battling for depth and special teams roles.

CBCornerback could be Philadelphia’s best position group. Mitchell is already one of the league’s top young outside corners, and DeJean’s versatility allows Fangio to move him around the formation without weakening the secondary. Woolen’s arrival on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million gives the Eagles rare size, speed, and ball production opposite Mitchell. Kelee Ringo and Jakorian Bennett can now compete from reserve roles instead of being forced into every-week starter responsibilities, while Jonathan Jones, Mac McWilliams, Tariq Castro-Fields, Kapena Gushiken, Ambry Thomas, and Shaun Wade give Philadelphia one of the deepest cornerback rooms in the league.

SafetySafety remains the most unsettled part of the secondary. Drew Mukuba projects as a starter if healthy after his rookie season ended with an injury. Michael Carter II could see snaps at safety after arriving as a versatile defensive back, while Marcus Epps brings experience and familiarity. J.T. Gray is a special teams standout, and Andre’ Sam, Cole Wisniewski, and Maximus Pulley will compete for depth jobs. The second safety spot may be one of the most important position battles of camp because it affects how often Fangio can use DeJean as a movable nickel weapon.

SpecialistThe specialists are settled at the top, with Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, and Rocco Underwood forming the projected group. Mann returns on a four-year deal after establishing himself as one of the NFL’s better punters, while Elliott reworked his contract and had his 2026 salary guaranteed, though his recent accuracy dip could keep pressure on the position.

Final analysisThe defensive hierarchy starts with Carter, Davis, Ojomo, Greenard, Hunt, Smith, Baun, Mitchell, DeJean, and Woolen. The rest of camp will determine whether Campbell is ready to reclaim a major linebacker role, whether Mukuba and Carter can stabilize safety, and whether the Eagles’ deep cornerback room becomes the strength of the entire roster. If those answers come quickly, Philadelphia’s defense could enter the season with a stronger coverage foundation, more pass-rush flexibility, and the kind of depth needed to handle the NFC’s best passing attacks.

>This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles projected defensive depth chart entering training camp