The Philadelphia Eagles have proven themselves to be one of the best teams in the NFL. They feature a star-studded cast on offense and defense with Saquon Barkley, AJ Brown, and Devonta Smith on offense and Jalen Carter and rookie sensations Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean on defense.
The defense has gone from being ranked 30th in team defense in 2023 to ranked number two in 2024. The remarkable turnaround starts with the addition of veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the superstar leap of defensive tackle Jalen Carter, and the break-out seasons for linebackers Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean. Often overlooked though have been two anchors along the defensive line right next to Carter in Milton Williams and Moro Ojomo.
The Philadelphia Eagles Unsung Heroes Along the Defensive Line
Milton Williams’ Breakout Season
Milton Williams began his career with slight controversy during the 2021 draft. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and football advisor Tom Donahoe were caught on camera disagreeing over Williams’ selection. Donahoe was later revealed to have preferred star Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeil.
Williams has been a late bloomer, but he’s finally realizing the potential Roseman saw in him. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams is the second-highest-graded defensive tackle in the league. He’s already set a career-high in sacks with five, and according to NextGen stats, Williams is generating a pressure percentage of 14.4%, the league’s highest among defensive linemen who have played a minimum of 150 snaps.
The Eagles will make a big decision this off-season when Williams becomes a free agent. His breakout season is only going to increase his price. Howie Roseman and the rest of the front office will determine this off-season if Williams is the type of player who can’t easily be replaced.
Moro Ojomo is Making the Most of His Snaps
Moro Ojomo didn’t come to the Eagles with expectations of being an immediate impact player. After being drafted in the seventh round out of Texas, and in his second year, Ojomo has done just that.
According to PFF, Ojomo is the 15th highest-graded pass rusher in the league among defensive linemen. Ojomo has totaled 23 total pressures and 19 hurries. Perhaps most impressive is the efficiency with which Ojomo is putting up these stats. Ojomo has only played 48% or fewer snaps on defense but has consistently generated pressure.
Eagles Defensive Line Receiving Production for Value
Over the last twelve months, the Eagles have turned their greatest weakness into one of their greatest strengths. They are doing it behind two players making under $5 million combined in 2024. To finish the season strong, the Eagles will need to continue to rely on both Williams and Ojomo.
Main Image: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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