Stock up or Stock Down: How the Eagles' defense changed this offseason

Philadelphia has moved past Super Bowl 59 and is locked in on having a singular focus on the 2025 NFL regular season. Howie Roseman orchestrated another roster makeover in free agency, the 10-player NFL Draft, and several talented undrafted free agents. The Organized Team Activities and now the Mandatory Minicamp have concluded, and Philadelphia is halfway through a five-week break before returning to the NovaCare Complex.

Training Camp begins in late July, with July 22 as the report day, followed by a practice on July 23. Although a surprise move or two could still be on the way, the majority of the work has been completed. After watching 12 players depart in free agency, Roseman added two dynamic SEC linebackers, an All-American pass rusher, three offensive linemen, and an accomplished quarterback from Philadelphia.

With the changes at linebacker and in the secondary, we're doing a stock report for Vic Fangio's retooled defensive unit.

Edge Rusher

2024: Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt

2025: KJ Henry, Jalyx Hunt, Patrick Johnson, Azeez Ojulari, Nolan Smith Jr., Josh Uche, Ochaun Mathis, Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. -Drafted Rookie

Philadelphia created salary cap space and competition with the trade of Bryce Huff to the 49ers for a mid-round pick in 2026. We predict that Hunt will get the first shot at replacing Josh Sweat, despite Josh Uche being signed. Hunt finished the 2024 season with 21 total tackles (12 solo), including 1.5 sacks, while adding one pass defended and two forced fumbles over 16 regular-season games. Former Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari is another explosive player to watch.

Philadelphia drafted All-American pass rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland in the sixth round.

Stock up in a big way

DT

2024: Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis were the likely starters, while Milton Williams was poised for a breakout season. Undrafted rookies Gabe Hall, Moro Ojomo, and Tuipulotu offered potential as backups.

2025: Byron Young, Moro Ojomo, Gabe Hall, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Thomas Booker, Ty Robinson -Drafted Rookie

 Last season, Jalen Carter was 4th among interior DL with an 81.5 PFF pass-rush grade, behind Chris Jones (91.0), Cameron Heyward (87.2), and Jeffery Simmons (81.6) in that category. Davis logged 27 tackles (15 solo), one sack, and two passes defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2024. He added six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense across four playoff appearances. Davis started every regular-season game for the second year in a row, but he logged 122 fewer defensive snaps and ceded snaps to second-year defensive lineman Moro Ojomo. Davis logged 27 tackles (15 solo), one sack, and two passes defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2024. He added six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense across four playoff appearances. Ojomo finished the 2024 season with 20 tackles (six solo) in 17 regular-season games. Ojomo saw a significant increase in workload in his second season with the Eagles, playing 370 defensive snaps and 70 special teams snaps while appearing in all 17 of the team's regular-season games. Ojomo will be a starter, following Milton Williams' departure.

Philadelphia selected Nebraska's Ty Brown in the fourth round for depth and physicality.

Stock up even with the departure of Milton Williams to New England.

LB

2024: Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Devin White, Zack Baun, Oren Burks, Ben VanSumeren

2025: Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean (PUP), Dallas Gant, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr., Jihaad Campbell, Lance Dixon

Baun is a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and All-Pro, while Trotter Jr. should get the first shot at replacing the injured Nakobe Dean. Campbell is the first-round pick, but won't be available until August. Philadelphia selected Smael Mondon Jr. in the fifth round, and he saw first-team snaps during OTAs.

Stock up

CB

2024: Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Kelee Ringo, Josh Jobe, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Mehki Garner, Isaiah Rodgers, Avonte Maddox, Tyler Hall, Mario Goodrich, Shon Stephens, Eli Ricks

2025: A.J. Woods, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Tariq Castro-Fields, Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks, Parry Nickerson, Adoree' Jackson, Mac McWilliams -- Drafted Rookie, Brandon Johnson -(Undrafted rookie), B.J. Mayes - (undrafted rookie)

Stock down: Kelee Ringo is solid, and Mac McWilliams has tremendous potential, but the loss of Slay and Isaiah Rodgers can't be discounted. Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell have improved tremendously, while Adoree' Jackson provides depth.

S

2024: Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Tristin McCollum, Andre Sam

2025: Lewis Cine, Reed Blankenship, Tristin McCollum, Andre Sam, Andrew Mukuba (unsigned rookie), Maxen Hooks (undrafted free agent), Sydney Brown.

Philadelphia traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Texans, and then drafted Andrew Mukuba in Round 2 out of Texas. Sydney Brown is healthy, McCollum is a year wiser, and Lewis Cine could rekindle his magic from Georgia.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Stock up or stock down on the Eagles' offseason defensive changes