With OTAs underway and training camp much close than you would think, here is a look at where things stand with the Eagles' defensive tackles after free agency and the draft.
Starters: Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson
Depth: Timmy Jernigan, Hassan Ridgeway, Treyvon Hester, Bruce Hector, Anthony Rush, Kevin Wilkins
Overall: The Eagles didn't make a huge splash in free agency this season, but the one big signing they did make says a lot about some of the main issues along their defensive line.
The Eagles bringing in Jackson on a three-year, $30 million deal should make life much easier for Cox. Jackson is one of the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in the NFL, and is just one season removed from being a Pro Bowl player at the position. Jackson totaled at least five sacks each year from 2015 to 2017, before dipping to 3.5 last season. Part of the reason Jackson's sack total dipped was his playing time dipped after being benched due to poor play against the run.
To make up for Jackson's poor play against the run the Eagles brought back Jernigan, who when on the field, has played at a very high level in the run game over his career. The question with Jernigan will be his health, as he essentially missed all of last season due to a mysterious injury.
The main goal of the Eagles this offseason at defensive tackle seems to be been adding depth. In addition to Jackson and Jernigan, the Eagles traded for Ridgeway while also bringing back both Hector and Hester. The team can go into next season feeling they are legitimately six players deep at the position. The battle for playing time should be a good one.
Part of the reason they focused so much on depth could be because of the foot injury to Cox. Cox said earlier this offseason he hopes to be ready for training camp, but wasn't completely sure. Cox missing a portion of training camp, and the entire offseason of workouts, could result in a slow start to the season like it did last year for Brandon Graham, who was in a similar situation.
Grade: B
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
