The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2026 NFL season with plenty of uncertainty on offense, but the other side of the ball is drawing a very different kind of attention.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano is going as far as to predict Vic Fangio’s defense will be the best in the NFL.
“Don't be surprised if ... they have the best defense in the NFL this season," Graziano writes. "... Regardless, the Vic Fangio defense should be an absolute monster."
That’s a bold call, but the case for Philadelphia is strong. The Eagles bring serious depth, plus impact talent at every level of the defense, and there’s a real argument that the unit could finish ahead of the Los Angeles Rams and Houston Texans.
The weakest spot is the safety group, though even there the Eagles have options. Andrew Makuba could take a leap in his second NFL season, Marcus Epps was a reliable veteran last year, and Michael Carter II has settled in as a solid safety after spending years at cornerback.
Linebacker looks much stronger. Zack Baun is already established, Jihaad Campbell has breakout potential in a full-time starting role, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is waiting behind him after a strong preseason in case the Eagles need him.
The edge rushers may not have the same headline power as some of the other position groups, but the trio of Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith gives Philadelphia a solid foundation. Arnold Ebiketie and AJ Epenesa add experienced depth behind them.
The real strength of this defense comes up front and on the back end. Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson and Bryon Young give the Eagles an interior line with both run-stopping muscle and pass-rush upside.
And the cornerback room might be even more intimidating. Quinyon Mitchell is already one of the NFL’s top outside corners, Cooper DeJean may be the league’s best slot corner and can also move back to safety, and Riq Woolen steps in at CB2 to give Philadelphia what could be the best corner group in football.
Kelee Ringo, Mac McWilliams and Jonathan Jones don’t stand out as elite depth pieces, but the top-end talent is so strong that opposing offenses will have a hard time finding weak spots.
There are still dangerous defenses elsewhere around the league, with the Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Texans all still in the mix. But the Eagles’ case is simple: they got better, and if enough players keep developing, Fangio’s unit has a legitimate path to finishing as the NFL’s best defense and carrying Philadelphia on a deep playoff run.
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