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How Greenard trade jolts Eagles defensive depth chart after NFL Draft
TL;DR
The Eagles traded for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, enhancing their defensive depth after the NFL Draft. They also exercised the fifth-year options for defensive linemen Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith.
Key points
- Eagles traded for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard
- Greenard had a 12-sack season prior to the trade
- Eagles picked up fifth-year options for Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith
- Carter's option is worth about $27 million in 2027
- Smith's option is valued at approximately $14 million
PHILADELPHIA ā As expected, the Eagles didn't address the defense in the NFL draft until they used all three of their seventh-round picks on them. At that point in the draft, it's not guaranteed that they would even make the 53-man roster.
That doesn't mean the Eagles didn't address the defense. In fact, they made a major trade on April 24 by acquiring edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, one season removed from having his second straight 12-sack season.
Eagles pick up Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith 5th-year option
On April 27, the Eagles picked up the fifth-year option for two of their defensive linemen in defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith. As first-round picks in 2023 ā Carter at No. 9 overall and Smith at No. 30 ā the Eagles and every NFL team had until May 1 to pick up the option for first rounders.
If the Eagles were to decline the option, both players would have become free agents after this season. By picking up the option, Carter is expected to make about $27 million in 2027, Smith $14 million. The salary is determined by a formula that includes when the player was drafted, Pro Bowl and All Pro honors.
Carter has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice and named an All Pro once. The Eagles have said they want to sign Carter to an extension. The jury is still out on Smith, who had 3 sacks last season while dealing with a triceps injury.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell with Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell after he is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number 31 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field.
Quinyon Mitchell poses with fans after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the No. 22 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.
Jalen Carter poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected ninth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Georgia defensive end Nolan Smith after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles 30th overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station.
Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis after being selected as the 13th overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater.
DeVonta Smith (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected 10th overall by Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor is pursued by Las Vegas Raiders safety Tyree Gillespie on a kickoff return at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on Oct. 24, 2021. Reagor was taken 21st overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Andre Dillard stands with his jersey after being selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft in Downtown Nashville.
Derek Barnett was selected with the 14th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017.
Carson Wentz with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the second pick overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor runs drills at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia on May 24, 2016. Agholor was the 20th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Marcus Smith was the 26th pick overall in 2014 NFL Draft.
Lane Johnson is introduced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as the 4th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall.
Philadelphia Eagles first round draft pick Fletcher Cox addresses the media as head coach Andy Reid listens during a press conference at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Cox was the 12th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces the 23rd overall pick Danny Watkins of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall.
Philadelphia Eagles first round draft pick Brandon Graham catches a ball during training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 4, 2010. Graham was the 13th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin practices during minicamp at the NovaCare Complex on May 1, 2009 in Philadelphia. Maclin was the 19th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley during the first day of mini-camp at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia on May 12, 2006. Bunkley was the 14th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson scrimmages with second round pick Reggie Brown during Eagles training camp at Lehigh University on Aug. 5, 2005. Patterson was the 31st overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles guard Shawn Andrews adjusts his helmet against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana on Nov. 26, 2006. Andrews was the 16th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jerome McDougle in action against the Tennessee Titans at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Nov. 19, 2006. McDougle was the 15th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard during training camp at Lehigh University Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 9, 2005. Sheppard was the 26th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles receiver Freddie Mitchell snares a pass for first down when it was fourth and 26 while being covered by Green Bay Packers Bhawoh Jue (21) and Darren Sharper late in the fourth quarter of their game Sunday, January 11, 2004 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Mitchell was the 25th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Corey Simon celebrates during the first half of the NFC Championship game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia on Jan. 19, 2003. Simon was the 6th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft.
Syracuse University quarterback Donovan McNabb poses with NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue after McNabb was selected as the second overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. McNabb was the 2nd overall in the 1999 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Tra Thomas on the sidelines during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Thomas was the 11th overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jon Harris during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, on 27 Sep. 27, 1998. Harris was 25th overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles guard Jermane Mayberry during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Veteran Stadium in Philadelphia on Sept. 6, 1998. Mayberry was the 25th overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft.
Mike Mamula was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 7th overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Bernard Williams during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California on Oct. 2, 1994. Williams was the 14th overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles guard Lester Holmes during a game against the Washington Redskins the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 30, 1994. Holmes was the 19th overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Chuck Smith leaps to attempt to block a pass as he is blocked by Philadelphia Eagles tackle Antone Davis at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Aug. 26, 1992. Davis was the 8th overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Ben Smith tackles Phoenix Cardinals running back Johnny Johnson during a game at Sun Devil Stadium In Tempe, Arizona, in 1990. Smith was the 22nd overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Keith Jackson carries the ball during a 1989 NFL game against the Phoenix Cardinals. Jackson was the 13th overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft.
Jerome Brown, an All Pro defensive tackle before his death in 1992, was the 9th overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Keith Byars carries the ball against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium. Byars was the 10th overall pick in the 1986 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Michael Haddix carries the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri on Nov. 25,1984. Haddix was the 8th overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Mike Quick carries the ball against the Washington Redskins at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia on Dec. 21, 1986. Quick was the 20th overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Roynell Young in action against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium on Aug. 13, 1983. Young was the 27th overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jerry Robinson on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta on Oct. 2, 1983. Robinson was 21st overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jerry Sisemore blocks for quarterback Ron Jaworski against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Nov. 8, 1981. Sisemore was the 3rd overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback John Reaves in action in Philadelphia on August 1974. Reaves was the 14th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft.
Dallas Cowboys running back Walt Garrison runs past Philadelphia Eagles linebacker John Bunting (95) and Richard Harris (84) at Veterans Stadium in Philadephia on Oct. 29, 1973. Harris was the 5th overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Steve Zabel during the 1970 season at Franklin Field in Philadelphia in September 1970. Zabel was the 6th overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles halfback Leroy Keyes runs with the ball during the 1969 season. Keyes was the 3rd overall pick in the 1969 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Tim Rossovich on the field against the San Francisco 49ers at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia on Oct. 3, 1971. Rossovich was the 14th overall pick in the 1968 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Harry Jones runs the ball against St. Louis Cardinals safety Larry Wilson at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri on Oct. 22, 1967. Jones was the 19th overall pick in the 1967 NFL Draft.
Hall of Fame tackle Bob Brown was the 2nd overall pick in the 1964 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Clarence Peaks carries with the ball with a block from guard John Wittenborn against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium on Nov. 19, 1961. Peaks was the 7th overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Chuck Bednarik celebrates after tackling New York Giants running back Frank Gifford (during a game in New York on Nov. 20, 1960. Bednarik was the 1st overall pick in the 1949 NFL Draft.
Steve Van Buren played for the Eagles from 1944 to 1951, and was on two NFL championship teams. Van Buren was the 5th overall pick in the 1944 NFL Draft.
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell with Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell after he is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number 31 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field.
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell with Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell after he is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number 31 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field.
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Quinyon Mitchell poses with fans after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the No. 22 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.
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Jalen Carter poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected ninth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Georgia defensive end Nolan Smith after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles 30th overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station.
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Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis after being selected as the 13th overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater.
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DeVonta Smith (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected 10th overall by Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium.
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor is pursued by Las Vegas Raiders safety Tyree Gillespie on a kickoff return at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on Oct. 24, 2021. Reagor was taken 21st overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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Andre Dillard stands with his jersey after being selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft in Downtown Nashville.
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Derek Barnett was selected with the 14th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017.
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Carson Wentz with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the second pick overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre.
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor runs drills at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia on May 24, 2016. Agholor was the 20th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
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Marcus Smith was the 26th pick overall in 2014 NFL Draft.
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Lane Johnson is introduced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as the 4th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall.
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Philadelphia Eagles first round draft pick Fletcher Cox addresses the media as head coach Andy Reid listens during a press conference at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Cox was the 12th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces the 23rd overall pick Danny Watkins of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall.
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Philadelphia Eagles first round draft pick Brandon Graham catches a ball during training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 4, 2010. Graham was the 13th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin practices during minicamp at the NovaCare Complex on May 1, 2009 in Philadelphia. Maclin was the 19th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley during the first day of mini-camp at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia on May 12, 2006. Bunkley was the 14th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson scrimmages with second round pick Reggie Brown during Eagles training camp at Lehigh University on Aug. 5, 2005. Patterson was the 31st overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles guard Shawn Andrews adjusts his helmet against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana on Nov. 26, 2006. Andrews was the 16th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jerome McDougle in action against the Tennessee Titans at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Nov. 19, 2006. McDougle was the 15th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard during training camp at Lehigh University Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 9, 2005. Sheppard was the 26th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles receiver Freddie Mitchell snares a pass for first down when it was fourth and 26 while being covered by Green Bay Packers Bhawoh Jue (21) and Darren Sharper late in the fourth quarter of their game Sunday, January 11, 2004 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Mitchell was the 25th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Corey Simon celebrates during the first half of the NFC Championship game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia on Jan. 19, 2003. Simon was the 6th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft.
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Syracuse University quarterback Donovan McNabb poses with NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue after McNabb was selected as the second overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. McNabb was the 2nd overall in the 1999 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Tra Thomas on the sidelines during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Thomas was the 11th overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jon Harris during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, on 27 Sep. 27, 1998. Harris was 25th overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles guard Jermane Mayberry during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Veteran Stadium in Philadelphia on Sept. 6, 1998. Mayberry was the 25th overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft.
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Mike Mamula was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 7th overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Bernard Williams during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California on Oct. 2, 1994. Williams was the 14th overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles guard Lester Holmes during a game against the Washington Redskins the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 30, 1994. Holmes was the 19th overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft.
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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Chuck Smith leaps to attempt to block a pass as he is blocked by Philadelphia Eagles tackle Antone Davis at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Aug. 26, 1992. Davis was the 8th overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Ben Smith tackles Phoenix Cardinals running back Johnny Johnson during a game at Sun Devil Stadium In Tempe, Arizona, in 1990. Smith was the 22nd overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles tight end Keith Jackson carries the ball during a 1989 NFL game against the Phoenix Cardinals. Jackson was the 13th overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft.
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Jerome Brown, an All Pro defensive tackle before his death in 1992, was the 9th overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Keith Byars carries the ball against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium. Byars was the 10th overall pick in the 1986 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Michael Haddix carries the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri on Nov. 25,1984. Haddix was the 8th overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Mike Quick carries the ball against the Washington Redskins at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia on Dec. 21, 1986. Quick was the 20th overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Roynell Young in action against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium on Aug. 13, 1983. Young was the 27th overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jerry Robinson on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta on Oct. 2, 1983. Robinson was 21st overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jerry Sisemore blocks for quarterback Ron Jaworski against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Nov. 8, 1981. Sisemore was the 3rd overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback John Reaves in action in Philadelphia on August 1974. Reaves was the 14th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Walt Garrison runs past Philadelphia Eagles linebacker John Bunting (95) and Richard Harris (84) at Veterans Stadium in Philadephia on Oct. 29, 1973. Harris was the 5th overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles tight end Steve Zabel during the 1970 season at Franklin Field in Philadelphia in September 1970. Zabel was the 6th overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles halfback Leroy Keyes runs with the ball during the 1969 season. Keyes was the 3rd overall pick in the 1969 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Tim Rossovich on the field against the San Francisco 49ers at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia on Oct. 3, 1971. Rossovich was the 14th overall pick in the 1968 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Harry Jones runs the ball against St. Louis Cardinals safety Larry Wilson at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri on Oct. 22, 1967. Jones was the 19th overall pick in the 1967 NFL Draft.
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Hall of Fame tackle Bob Brown was the 2nd overall pick in the 1964 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Clarence Peaks carries with the ball with a block from guard John Wittenborn against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium on Nov. 19, 1961. Peaks was the 7th overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft.
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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Chuck Bednarik celebrates after tackling New York Giants running back Frank Gifford (during a game in New York on Nov. 20, 1960. Bednarik was the 1st overall pick in the 1949 NFL Draft.
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Steve Van Buren played for the Eagles from 1944 to 1951, and was on two NFL championship teams. Van Buren was the 5th overall pick in the 1944 NFL Draft.
Eagles projected depth chart on defense
Philadelphia Eagles edge rushers
Who's hereĀ (projected starters in bold, draft picks in italics):Ā Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Arnold Ebiketie, Brandon Graham, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Keyshawn James-Newby, Jose RamirezPositional breakdown:Ā Greenard is seen as the Jaelan Phillips replacement after the Eagles traded third-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to the Vikings, then signed him to a four-year contract extension worth as much as $100 million. The Eagles also added to the rotation behind returnees in Hunt and Smith by signing Ebiketie and Tryon-Shoyinka in free agency. Graham has said he wants to return for a 17th season. James-Newby, the seventh-round pick, is undersized, but has been productive in college. **What's next:**The Eagles have a solid four-man rotation with Greenard, Hunt, Smith and Ebiketie. But Phillips played 78% of the snaps during his eight games with the Eagles. They'll need Greenard to fill the majority of those defensive snaps, while also getting back to his 2023-24 production when he had a combined 24 Ā½ sacks. A better season from Smith would help too.
Jonathan Greenard #58 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. Greenard was traded to the Eagles on April 24, 2026.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackles
Who's hereĀ (projected starters in bold, draft picks in italics): Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, Ta'Quon Graham, Gabe Hall, Ty Robinson, Uar Bernard
Positional breakdown: The Eagles are set at D-tackle. Davis got a three-year extension worth as much as $78 million in March, and Carter is next in line. That will probably be significantly more than what Davis got. But Ojomo is also entering the last year of his rookie contract, and it's possible another team could pry him away by outbidding the Eagles, like the Patriots did with Milton Williams after the 2024 season. That is in part why the Eagles drafted Ty Robinson in the fourth round in 2025. Young, Graham and Hall are all good depth pieces.
What's next: Bernard, who was drafted in the seventh round out of the International Placement Program, has never played a down of organized football in his life. But he's 6-4, 306 pounds and freakishly athletic. Still, Bernard could be at least a few years away from being able to contribute. Remember, it took left tackle Jordan Mailata two full seasons and part of a third before he started a game after coming through IPP from Australia as a rugby player. As for Robinson, the Eagles will need to see more from him in Year 2.
Philadelphia Eagles linebackers
Who's hereĀ (projected starters in bold, draft picks in italics): Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon, Chance Campbell, Chandler Martin
Positional breakdown: Baun is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons while Campbell is expected to be a full-time starter after Nakobe Dean left in free agency. But Campbell, the Eagles' first-round pick in 2025 (No. 31 overall), is recovering from a shoulder procedure over the winter, and it's not known if he'll be ready for the start of training camp. Trotter and Mondon provide solid depth and special teams prowess.
What's next: The Eagles didn't draft a linebacker. So if injuries hit, or if Campbell isn't ready for the start of the season, don't be surprised if the Eagles go after a low-cost veteran free agent. Still, it's a solid unit, as evidenced by the Eagles not drafting anyone for only the second time since 2019.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerbacks
Who's hereĀ (projected starters in bold, draft picks in italics): Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, Cooper DeJean, Jonathan Jones, Kelee Ringo, Jakorian Bennett, Mac McWilliams, Brandon Johnson, Ambry Thomas, Tariq Castro-Fields
Positional breakdown: This could be as talented a group of cornerbacks as the Eagles have had in years. Mitchell and DeJean are both coming off All Pro seasons, and Woolen as CB2 is a significant upgrade over Adoree Jackson. Jones is in his 11th season and would be a capable backup at nickel and on the outside. Ringo, Bennett and McWilliams are depth/special teams players.
What's next: Last season, DeJean was the outside corner in base defense, which the Eagles were in about 20% of the time. This season, DeJean could be the base safety next to Andrew Mukuba. Either way, DeJean will spend the vast majority of the game at nickel, where he's arguably the best in the NFL. Both DeJean and Mitchell are the key to the Eagles' secondary.
Philadelphia Eagles safeties
Who's hereĀ (projected starters in bold, draft picks in italics): Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter, Cole Wisniewski, Andre Sam, J.T. Gray
Positional breakdown: Mukuba was becoming more and more reliable as last season wore on. That is, until he broke his fibula in Week 12. The Eagles are expecting him to keep improving, and that will be paramount after Reed Blankenship left in free agency. Epps and Carter, a veteran nickel who's converting to safety, will battle for the other starting job.
What's next: Keep an eye on Wisniewski, the seventh-round pick who's 6-3, 219 pounds. Eagles GM Howie Roseman already compared him to Blankenship in that Blankenship was an undrafted free agent in 2022 who became a full-time starter the next season. Blankenship turned that into a three-year, $24.8 million free agent deal with the Texans.
Philadelphia Eagles specialists
Who's hereĀ (projected starters in bold, draft picks in italics): Jake Elliott (kicker), Braden Mann (punter), Rocco Underwood (long snapper)
Positional breakdown: The Eagles keep expressing confidence in Elliott despite two straight seasons of making less than 80% of his field goals. So it wouldn't be surprising to see a kicker brought in at some point this spring as competition. Mann was recently signed to a four-year extension after a second straight strong season. Underwood was signed on April 25 as an undrafted free agent.
What's next: This is a critical spring and summer for Elliott. If he's not kicking well, the Eagles will likely go in another direction.
Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl. Sign up for the "Eye On The Eagles" newsletter, emailed to your inbox every Friday morning. Read his coverage of theĀ Eaglesā championship season in āFlying High,ā a hardcover coffee-table book from Delaware Online/The News Journal.Ā Details at Fly.ChampsBook.com
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Eagles depth chart after NFL draft, how Jonathan Greenard changes D-line
Q&A
What impact does Jonathan Greenard's trade have on the Eagles' defense?
Jonathan Greenard's trade strengthens the Eagles' defensive depth, providing a proven edge rusher following the NFL Draft.
How much will Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith earn after the Eagles picked up their fifth-year options?
Jalen Carter is expected to earn about $27 million in 2027, while Nolan Smith will make around $14 million.
Why did the Eagles wait until the seventh round to address their defense in the NFL Draft?
The Eagles focused on other positions earlier in the draft and used their seventh-round picks to address defensive needs, although those players may not make the 53-man roster.
What are the implications of the fifth-year option for first-round picks in the NFL?
Exercising the fifth-year option allows teams to retain first-round picks like Carter and Smith for an additional year, preventing them from becoming free agents after the season.