Story by
5 Eagles defenders who could generate momentum during training camp
- Story by
- 5 Eagles defenders who could generate momentum during training camp
The Eagles have star power on defense , but training camp is often where the back half of the roster starts to separate from the field or create their own narratives as under-the-radar standouts.
Philadelphia already knows Jalen Carter , Jordan Davis , Moro Ojomo , Zack Baun , Quinyon Mitchell , Cooper DeJean , and Riq Woolen will be central to Vic Fangio's defense. The more interesting question entering camp is which under-the-radar defenders can turn June momentum, roster opportunity, or one specific skill into a legitimate role. With several position groups reshaped and competition intensifying across the defensive line, linebacker room, and secondary, these five Eagles defenders are worth watching when training camp opens.
Advertisement
DT Byron Young
Young is not being treated like a roster long shot, and his offseason usage suggests the Eagles view him as a real piece of the defensive line rotation. With Carter limited during team drills and Philadelphia managing the front carefully, Young saw first-team work alongside Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo, giving him valuable reps inside Fangio's structure. The Eagles do not need Young to become a star, but they do need him to become a dependable rotational lineman who can hold up against the run, maintain gap discipline, and keep the starters fresh. If he carries that momentum into padded practices, Young could make the interior defensive line deeper than it looked entering the offseason, and potentially unseat Ty Robinson or make him expendable.
LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Trotter has a clear path to a larger role after Nakobe Dean 's departure and Jihaad Campbell 's shoulder rehab created more opportunity at off-ball linebacker. Baun remains the stabilizer, but Trotter's first-team work during the offseason matters because Philadelphia needs another linebacker who can handle communication, traffic, and physicality between the tackles. His name carries obvious franchise history, but his camp battle is about more than nostalgia. If Trotter proves he can be assignment-sound in coverage and steady against the run, he could force Fangio to trust him with meaningful snaps earlier than expected.
Advertisement
DB Michael Carter II
Carter is one of the more interesting defensive backs on the roster because his value is tied to versatility. The Eagles have a loaded cornerback room with Mitchell, DeJean, Woolen, Kelee Ringo , Jakorian Bennett , and several others, but Carter's ability to work inside and potentially transition to safety gives Philadelphia another movable piece. That matters after Reed Blankenship 's departure, and with the second safety spot still being sorted out. If Carter can handle safety responsibilities while still offering nickel flexibility, he could help Fangio keep DeJean in a more dynamic role instead of forcing him into one static assignment.
CB Shaun Wade
Wade is a late addition who should not be ignored. The former Ohio State All-American and Ravens draft pick earned another NFL opportunity after a strong UFL season with the Dallas Renegades, where he finished with three interceptions and five pass breakups while allowing just 15 completions for 147 yards on 35 targets. He also has a connection to Eagles secondary coach Mike Pellegrino from their time together in New England , which could help him acclimate quickly. Wade faces a difficult path in a crowded secondary, but his recent production gives him a real case for camp reps and a possible practice squad spot if he shows enough on special teams or outplays Kelee Ringo and Jakorian Bennett.
Advertisement
OLB Keyshawn James-Newby
James-Newby is the kind of edge rusher who can gain ground quickly in camp if the traits show up in one-on-one drills and preseason games. The Eagles' edge group changed after Joe Tryon-Shoyinka landed on the reserve/retired list, creating one fewer veteran obstacle behind Jonathan Greenard , Jalyx Hunt , Nolan Smith , and Arnold Ebiketie . James-Newby still has to prove he can handle NFL physicality, set an edge, and contribute on special teams, but Philadelphia values developmental pass rushers and has room for a young player to push for the back end of the rotation or practice squad.
Final analysis
None of these players enters camp as the face of the defense, and that is the point. The Eagles' defensive ceiling will be driven by Carter, Mitchell, DeJean, Woolen, and Baun, but the depth chart will be shaped by players who turn opportunity into trust. Young can strengthen the interior front. Trotter can clarify linebacker depth. Carter can solve a safety-flexibility question. Wade can make a crowded secondary even more competitive. James-Newby can push the developmental edge group.
Advertisement
For a team with championship expectations, those margins matter. Philadelphia already has top-end defensive talent. Training camp will determine whether the under-the-radar names can give Fangio the depth and flexibility needed to survive a long season.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 5 Eagles defenders who could generate momentum during training camp
