The defensive line and the front seven had always been the best part of the Chip Kelly defense. Under Doug Pederson, and more importantly Jim Schwartz, it’ll be even better. The defensive line is the one area of the team that will produce no matter what, so it isn’t much of a concern.
Eagles Defensive Line Projection
Left End: Connor Barwin
Barwin was technically a linebacker in Chip Kelly’s 3-4 defense, but he mostly rushed the quarterback. He will switch to defensive end in Schwartz’s 4-3. He was pretty good last season, getting 7 sacks, and that was rushing only part-time. Double-digit sacks, just like in 2014 (14.5), is very possible for Barwin this season, especially under Schwartz.
Defensive Tackle 1: Fletcher Cox
Cox is switching to defensive tackle from end under Kelly. While end seems more natural for Cox, he’ll do just fine at tackle. Plus, switching to tackle opens up the end spot for Brandon Graham or Vinny Curry, making an all round better pass rushing unit. Not only is Cox the best Player on the Eagles, he’s the best pro athlete in Philly. An extremely well balanced lineman, Barwin is great at rushing the passer and stopping the run.
Defensive Tackle 2: Bennie Logan
While Logan is definitely not a great pass rusher, as shown by his minimal three sacks in three seasons, he is a great run stopper. He started nearly every game in the last two seasons. Perhaps he’ll be slightly better rushing this season with resident wizard Jim Schwartz leading the defense. However he doesn’t need to to maintain his starting role.
Right End: Brandon Graham
Graham is in the same boat as Barwin, however he has a harder battle to start against Vinny Curry, who just got a big extension. Graham just might wiggle by to get the starting role, but likely will split snaps with Curry. Either way, there will be good production from the end position.
Rotation Players
Vinny Curry: As stated before, Curry will still get a lot of game time even if he doesn’t end up beating Graham. Curry is a solid pass rusher, and being on the field to rush doesn’t negatively impact the rest of the line at all. In fact, it may end up being extremely beneficial for the Eagles to have Curry out there.
Beau Allen: Allen was the number two defensive tackle last year, and he started the two games Bennie Logan missed. He’ll likely be the first rotation guy at definitive tackle. He’s definitely not great, but he should be a solid rotational player in 2016.
Mike Martin: There isn’t a whole lot of depth at defensive tackle, so the Eagles had better hope that neither Logan or Cox do not get injured. Martin is half decent, but definitely not great or good. Hopefully there won’t be too much of him this season, as it’ll be a sign of a lot going wrong.
Alex McCalister: The rookie has some natural pass rushing ability and hopefully he’ll get to showcase that every now and again this season. He’s not very big. If he ever wants to be a starter, he will need to put on more muscle. However, he won’t be starting unless absolutely necessary this season.
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