The Eagles defense was vastly improved last season. They ranked 13th in total defense, 13th in passing, 15th in rushing and 12th in points per game. This was significantly improved from ranking near the bottom in almost every category the season before. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz came in and turned the defense around, even helping improve it to top ten in interceptions. Safety play was a large piece of the success.
The ranging defensive backs were led by nine-year veteran and defensive captain Malcolm Jenkins. Since coming to the Eagles in 2014, he has been a defensive pillar for gang green. Last season, he racked up 72 tackles, one sack and three interceptions at strong safety and was very effective helping against the run.
Coming over as a free agent last season was free safety Rodney McLeod from the Rams. McLeod fit right into Schwartz’s scheme. McLeod led the safeties in just about every category, notching 83 tackles, three interceptions, one sack, ten passes defended and three forced fumbles. One thing he brings is durability. Since 2013, he has started every single game and is locked up in Philly for a couple more seasons.
The Eagles have some other safeties that played small roles in 2016 but will be called upon to step up in 2017.
The State of the Philadelphia Eagles Safeties
2017 Current Philadelphia Eagles Safeties
Malcolm Jenkins
Rodney McCleod
Jaylen Watkins
Terrence Brooks
Chris Maragos
Tre Sullivan
Philadelphia did not draft a single safety in this year’s draft but did sign undrafted free agent Tre Sullivan. Sullivan led Shepard University with 74 tackles and nine passes defended. Terrence Brooks was signed from Baltimore before last season and played in 11 games for the birds but made little impact. Chris Maragos has never really seen much playing time during his time in Philly, but has been one of the best special team’s players in the NFL. He has been one of the team’s most important leaders in transforming the Eagles into one of the best special teams in the league.
Going into next season, the safeties from 2016 will be relied upon again to remain consistent while the rest of the defense improves.
2017 Projected Philadelphia Eagles Safeties and Outlook
- Malcolm Jenkins
- Rodney McLeod
- Jaylen Watkins
- Chris Maragos
- Tre Sullivan
Terrence Brooks didn’t do enough last season to earn a spot on the roster so he will get cut. Sullivan is a young, hungry rookie who, like McLeod, is an undrafted free agent with a chip on his shoulder.
Watkins is the most versatile defensive back on the roster and it has been rumored he could switch to cornerback this season. The cornerbacks are depleted and desperate right now and Watkins demonstrated the speed and size to play the position. If he moved to corner, Sullivan should have an expanded backup role.
Maragos is best when he focuses solely on special teams, where he is a significantly better performer. He should only get playing time on defense if the game is a blowout or injuries present the opportunity.
Regardless of how Sullivan, Watkins or Maragos do, it is obvious that the safeties will be led by Jenkins and McCleod. Jenkins will play hard at the line to stop the run, while still applying pressure on receivers in pass coverage. McCleod will continue to be a tackling machine and stay healthy on the field.
If those two men can stay healthy, the safety position should remain consistent and solid for Jim Schwartz’s defense. Consistency from the safety position is critical to the development of the rest of the defense, especially the cornerbacks. Expect Jenkins, McLeod and the rest of the core safeties to remain intact and become one of the most vaunted and talented positions on the team.
