Preview of Position for Training Camp: Defensive Line
After veteran superstar Fletcher Cox announced his retirement in the summer, the storyline of a youthful defensive tackle corps in 2024 will center on Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. While Davis has worked extremely hard this offseason to get in peak shape, Carter is coming off of a strong rookie season in which he displayed glimpses of his dominance when playing on the field. When they are performing at their best, the two Georgia Bulldogs have proven to be an offensive lineman’s worst nightmare.
The depth chart is open for players to step up and be used in different ways with new Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio always looking to spice things up. Milton Williams is now the veteran of the defensive tackle group, following the departure of Cox. Williams started in 10 games and played 494 snaps in 2023, gathering a career-high 42 tackles and seven QB hits.
Marlon Tuipulotu will enter Year 4 after appearing in 14 games last season, finishing with 22 tackles (13 solo) and two sacks. Moro Ojomo played primarily on special teams a year ago but looks to crack the rotation heading into Year 2. Thomas Booker spent all of last season on the Eagles’ practice squad and the team wants to see more in Training Camp. As a rookie in Houston in 2022, Booker played in 10 games, starting one. Gabe Hall provides length and size as an undrafted free agent signing at 6-foot-6, 291 pounds.
There are eight defensive tackles listed on the roster currently, and the Eagles feel comfortable with what they have after not taking a tackle in the NFL Draft. The Eagles brought in Penn State product P.J. Mustipher in free agency after appearing in four games with the Saints.
New to the Nest: P.J. Mustipher and undrafted free agent singing out of Baylor Gabe Hall are the only new additions to the defense tackle room thus far, and they will have to work their way up playing behind the likes of Carter and Davis. With a chance to prove themselves in training camp, the two will look to make the roster come September.
Bird Talk: “He’s (Jordan Davis) heading into his third year. I think he’s off to a good start this offseason. I don’t have anything to compare it to, not having been here his first two years. But I think he’s working good. I think he’s rounding into good shape. It’s up to us to give him the opportunity and platform to get in good shape, and then rely on him when he leaves here and that dead time between the offseason and camp. From what I’ve seen so far, very encouraging.” – Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio
“Obviously stepping into a much larger role than I was last year and I know what’s expected of me. I’m getting into the best condition of my life. That’s not just from me. That’s from the top down, the D-line. That’s the standard that we demand from each other.” – defensive tackle Jordan Davis
Notable Stat: Vic Fangio has getting to the quarterback as a high priority on his list going into this season. The Eagles finished 2023 with 43 total sacks, as then-rookie Jalen Carter was an immediate contributor. Carter was third on the team with six sacks and tied Derrick Burgess (2001) for second-most sacks by an Eagles rookie since 1982, when sacks became an official statistic.
Below the Microscope: Not only have coaches been talking about Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter’s conditioning, but the two players themselves have also been talking about it this offseason. In an effort to be in the best shape of their careers, Carter and Davis have both been working out. How will these two, along with the rest of the position group, manage the burden after Cox retires? – Written by Wichser, Liam
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