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The second year tackle is set to start on the left side as he takes the place of Jason Peters. There are big shoes to fill for Dillard as he takes the spot of one of the most respected Eagles in recent history.
However, the Eagles re-signed Peters to take the place of the injured Brandon Brooks at right guard.
Having Peters three spots down could add more pressure for Dillard to perform at a high level, but Dillard is happy to have Peters back in the Eagles nest.
"It's unfortunate Brooks went down," said Dillard. "But having a familiar face back and a guy that's legendary and has a lot of knowledge, it's good to have him on board. He's one of the greatest lineman ever and he just bolsters our group.”
Even with Dillard welcoming Peters back, he understands there will be cries to move Peters back to left tackle if he struggles as a starter.
However, Dillard believes there is always pressure to succeed in the NFL and having a likely future hall of famer three spots down won't change his approach to the season.
"There's a lot of pressure and responsibility," Dillard said. "You can't really dwell on that. I'm the guy for the position, I'm going to keep proving that I'm the guy for that spot and just do my best and go on from there."
Dillard had his ups and downs last season when called into action. Like any other player, Dillard had to deal with his share of criticism from the fans, but he understands that fan reaction is part of life in the NFL and insists he is unaffected by critics outside his locker room.
"I don't really take to heart what fans say," said Dillard. "They're not on the practice field or in our meeting rooms. The only opinion that matters is coaches and players. I just keep my head down. Every day, my goal is to just keep improving.”
Dillard knew his time as a starter would come when he was drafted in the first round by the Eagles. Now, that time has arrived.
Dillard insists he is ready for his starting role and is more confident after getting his rookie year under his belt.
"It's basically night and day in terms of my confidence in myself," Dillard said. "The game has slowed down a lot for me this time around compared to last year.”