Eagles Defensive Backbone: Who to Watch This Season
The Philadelphia Eagles have wrapped up their preseason and are preparing for the 2025 regular season with one of the most lethal defensive units in the NFL. With seasoned vets and rising stars, the defensive talent of the birds is preparing to fluster any offense they face. From a strong front line to a secondary that is stacked with young playmakers, Philly’s defense is built to dominate this season. As the countdown to the regular season goes on, you may want to watch these standout defenders who have all the tools to help drive the Eagles into another deep postseason run.
Jalen Carter: Defensive Tackle
During the 2024 season, Jalen Carter led the Philadelphia defense with an impressive 45 pressures, 16 QB hits, and 12 tackles for a loss of yards. After only his second season in the NFL, these stats earned him Pro Bowl and Second Team All-Pro recognition. In the upcoming season, Carter is anticipated to be an anchor for the defensive line. With a promising trajectory, the ability to draw double teams, and an unwavering knack to collapse the pocket, he may be in the conversation for defensive player of the year in 2025, making him a remarkable player to watch.
Zack Baun: Linebacker
A starter on the Super Bowl LIX championship team, Zack Baun was recognized at No. 26 on the NFL’s top 100 Players of 2025. The stats for his postseason performance speak for themselves. With 32 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble, it is no wonder that he was also recognized as a First Team All-Pro in 2024. Despite a reported back injury, the “bald eagle” is expected back in training camp on Monday. The playmaker is a key asset for Philly and is certainly a defensive powerhouse to watch this fall.
Quinyon Mitchell: Cornerback
Last fall, Quinyon Mitchell was the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft. He had an exceptional rookie season, with 15 forced incompletions—the third most in the league—and allowed an average of less than two yards gained after a catch as the nearest defender. Recognized in the NFL’s top 100 players of 2025 at No. 49, Mitchell is expected to continue demonstrating shutdown defense in his second pro season as an Eagle. This Eagle has proven his potential and should be watched this season.
Cooper DeJean: Defensive Back
Cooper DeJean was a key contributor to Philly’s 2024 victory, with a 38-yard interception for a touchdown against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie saw the field for 16 games—started in nine—and did not let up a single touchdown, rightfully earning a spot at No. 60 on the NFL’s top 100 players of 2025. DeJean proved to have instincts, situational awareness, and versatility. With the development of these qualities alongside Mitchell, these young secondaries could form one of the most dynamic duos in the league.
Reed Blankenship: Safety
Reed Blankenship entered the league in 2022 as an undrafted rookie, and three years later, he started as a strong safety, helping to defeat the Chiefs in the LIX Super Bowl. He established a career high of four interceptions in the 2024 regular season. Though he may fly under the radar, he is a reliable and steady player. Blankenship's ability to step up in the crucial moments, recognize routes, and exhibit great leadership for his younger defensive teammates makes him worthy of watching this season.
Moro Ojomo: Defensive Tackle
With the recent departure of Milton Williams to the New England Patriots, Moro Ojomo is projected to fill his role as a starter next Thursday, making him a DT to watch this season. Ojomo has had promising development in his first two seasons with the Birds. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished with one of the best pass-rush win rates at 18.7% falling only behind Chris Jones. Alongside Carter, who constantly draws double teams, Ojomo’s ability to win one-on-one clashes and pressure QBs will help keep Philly’s defensive line dominant.
Jihaad Campbell: Linebacker
Headed into his rookie season, Jihaad Campbell has earned himself a starting spot on the defensive line following his preseason performance. During his second game, this first-round draft pick scored his first sack against the Cleveland Browns QB Dillon Gabriel. He has yet to appear in the big leagues for a regular-season game, but his collegiate career at Alabama shows strong potential. His speed and instincts are likely to provide a refreshing energy for the championship team, and fans should be sure to watch as this player develops this season.
