Eagles Defensive Tackles
The Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackles have been a major part of the strength of the team in the last few years. It’s a priority for General Manager Howie Roseman that can often get overlooked by other teams in the league, or by fans. But in today’s league, defensive tackles can have just as big of an impact as edge rushers. Consider not only Aaron Donald and Chris Jones, but players like Jeffrey Simmons, Dexter Lawrence, Quinnen Williams, Vita Vea and many others who are legitimate game-changing type players every week. The impact they can provide not only putting pressure on quarterbacks in the pocket, but also blowing up run plays can completely thwart an offensive possession. The Eagles are a team that invest heavily in defensive tackles, not just only having two good starters, but making sure they have enough depth at the position for a lethal rotation.
This edition of thew series will move away from the starters and backup titles and focus more on the rotational aspect. Which players are more likely to see the most snaps game to game? As always check out the other editions of this series below:
First in Rotation: Fletcher Cox and Jalen Carter
All eyes in offseason workouts have been on rookie first-round pick, Jalen Carter. Carter has met those expectations and possibly exceeded them early in the offseason program. Going into the draft nobody questioned Carter’s talent and ability. Most pundits and analysts firmly believed he was the best player in the draft, but the off-the-field issues concerned some. If Carter can quell all those concerns, there is a good chance Carter can put up a monstrous rookie year. He has everything in his toolbox, elite quickness and athleticism, strength and explosiveness, and a good motor that always keeps him in the play. If all things go smoothly, expect Carter to be in the conversation as one the top ten defensive tackles in the league if not higher, and the best Eagles defensive tackle since his current teammate and running partner, Fletcher Cox.
Cox is not only a Eagles icon but undoubtedly a Hall of Fame quality player in the backend of his career. While he is not totally the force he was in the prime of his career, he is still a good and productive player. Just last year Cox had seven sacks and seven tackles for loss, still good numbers especially from a player at this stage of his career. His experience and knowledge of the league and the position will also be a big help to the young players like Carter and Jordan Davis. Having a former generational type of player teach younger players who have the potential to be that someday will always be a plus. But expect Cox to split snaps with some of the other defensive tackles on the roster. Besides, the Eagles are going to want Cox to be at his best for the playoffs.
Second in Rotation: Jordan Davis and Milton Williams
Much like Carter, Jordan Davis is another highly anticipated Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle that many fans have their eyes on. Davis in his rookie year saw some playtime but also had a few injuries he had to work through. Largely, it was a solid, but unimpressive year for Davis. He was solid against the run but not quite as disruptive as many had hoped. However, fans should be excited to see a fully healthy Jordan Davis in his second year in the league. An apt comparison to Jordan Davis would be former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle, Haloti Ngata who had a similar rookie season to Jordan Davis. Ngata then took a positive step in year two and became a top tier player by year four. The future should still be bright with Carter and Davis in this position group.
Milton Williams may not get as much hype or notoriety as the other players in this position group, but he is a good player that is only getting better. Williams is an undersized defensive tackle, but you would not know it just watching play. His strength to hold his ground in the run- game is surprising for someone 10-20 pounds lighter than most at his position. He has quick powerful hands and his size gives him more natural twitch and explosiveness than most. Williams also managed to double his sack total from year one to year two. He is a sort of x-factor for the Eagles, and if he takes another step or a big leap into his third year, the Eagles defensive tackle rotation could become an unbelievable unit.
Fighting for Snaps and or Roster Spots: Marlon Tuipulotu, Kentavius Street, Noah Elliss, and Moro Ojomo
The most notable name from this group is Kentavius Street, an NFL veteran who recently signed with the Eagles. Street was a part of the San Fransisco 49ers defensive line rotation for his first few years in the league until he got signed by the New Orleans Saints. Street is a valuable part of a rotation and provides good depth averaging three sacks over the last two seasons and being a solid run defender. He should be a lock to make the roster and expect to see him play some snaps during the regular season. Marlon Tuipulotu was a sixth-round pick in 2021 and is a slightly undersized run-stuffer with some plus athleticism. But he needs more development as a pass-rusher for him to be a consistent part of the rotation.
Noah Elliss was an undrafted free agent signing last year out of Idaho. He’s a big tackle at 6’4” 346 pounds, a type of tackle the Eagles clearly are interested in. For Elliss to get play time in the rotation he’ll have to better develop pass rush moves and hand-usage. Moro Ojomo was a seventh-round pick in this past NFL draft out of University of Texas. Ojomo is an undersized defensive tackle who is similar in ways to Milton Williams. However, Ojomo will have to prove he has athleticism and twitch that he would need to be a part of the rotation and the Eagles roster.
Eagles Depth Chart Preview Series Conclusion: Defensive Tackles
All in all, the defensive interior of the Eagles defensive line is still in really good shape. There may be more questions with younger players needing to play a bigger role in the defense, but the talent is there. Carter and Davis not only have the talent to be solid starters, but they are capable of being among the best duos in the league. Expect heavy play time from Carter and expect a healthy dose of Fletcher Cox and Jordan Davis. Who plays more will likely determine from game to game based on the defensive game-plan. Expect to see Milton Williams more than a couple times a game as well, as he could grow into a real contributor. Expect Kentavius Street to make the team as well, and a final roster spot going to one of ether Tuipulotu, Ojomo, or Elliss.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
