Following two weeks of OTAs, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive transformation is becoming clear. After saying goodbye to veterans Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, Darius Slay, James Bradberry, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Avonte Maddox, Philadelphia is betting big on youth.
The question isn't whether this defense has talent — it's whether inexperience will cost them games early in the season.
Coming off a historically dominant 2024 campaign where they allowed just 278.4 yards per game and ranked first in pass defense, the Eagles face the challenge of replacing proven veterans with promising but unproven players. The transition period could determine whether Philadelphia can repeat as champions or takes a step backward.
The most glaring concern sits in the secondary, where the safety position remains unsettled. Reed Blankenship is locked in as one starter, but the battle for the other spot has expanded beyond expectations, with Sydney Brown, rookie Andrew Mukuba, and Tristin McCollum all getting meaningful first-team reps.
Mukuba, the second-round pick from Texas, recorded five interceptions last season without drawing a single penalty flag. His ball skills are undeniable, but at 186 pounds, durability questions linger about his ability to handle NFL punishment week after week.
Brown’s comeback story from ACL surgery adds another layer of uncertainty. Vic Fangio noted that Brown’s experience “came in 2023, not ’24” since he was sidelined for most of last season. Can he recapture his pre-injury form quickly enough to earn the starting role?
The linebacker corps presents even more immediate challenges. Nakobe Dean “won’t be back for awhile” according to Fangio, leaving a significant void alongside Zack Baun. First-round selection Jihaad Campbell won’t practice until August as he recovers from labrum surgery, meaning the Eagles could enter training camp dangerously thin at the position.
This puts enormous pressure on Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who played just 104 defensive snaps as a rookie. The second-year linebacker may be thrust into a much larger role than anticipated, whether he’s ready or not.
At cornerback, the Eagles are counting on internal development. Kelee Ringo, who was “buried on the depth chart” in his second season despite showing promise as a rookie, now has an opportunity to claim a starting spot. The addition of Adoree’ Jackson provides veteran stability, but depth remains a concern if injuries strike.
The silver lining lies in Philadelphia’s recent drafting success. Nine projected defensive starters have been selected by the Eagles since 2022, showcasing the organization’s ability to identify and develop talent. Players like Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Nolan Smith Jr. proved last season that rookies can contribute immediately in this system.
Jalen Carter’s continued ascension gives the defense an elite anchor, and the coaching staff’s track record with young players provides reason for optimism. Fangio’s defensive scheme maximized talent in 2024, turning Zack Baun from a journeyman into an All-Pro linebacker.
However, expecting seamless transitions from multiple rookies and second-year players simultaneously may be unrealistic. Championship defenses typically rely on veteran leadership and experience in crucial moments — qualities this unit will largely lack early in the season.
The Eagles’ gamble on youth could pay massive dividends long-term, creating a sustainable championship window. But 2025 may require patience as this talented group learns to play together at the NFL’s highest level.
Training camp will reveal whether Philadelphia’s defensive youth movement is ready for prime time or needs more seasoning before reaching championship caliber once again.