Preparation for Sunday's matchup against Washington is underway, and Jonathan Greenard’s health will shape Philadelphia’s opening edge-rusher rotation. Nolan Smith Jr. should enter Week 1 as the Birds' most important healthy edge defender.
The rotation opposite him depends on Greenard’s recovery from a pectoral injury. Greenard was acquired to provide proven production, but the Eagles should not rush him before he is ready. If Greenard is unavailable, Jalyx Hunt projects to receive the first opportunity. Hunt’s athletic ability gives him the highest pass-rush ceiling among the deep group of edge rushers.
A.J. Epenesa provides fantastic size and experience. A versatile and rugged defender, Epenesa can set the edge on early downs before moving inside
in selected passing packages. Arnold Ebiketie offers another speed-rush option and could receive 15 to 25 snaps.
Smith should handle the largest workload, but Philadelphia must avoid exhausting him early in the season. The depth allows Fangio to rotate based on situation rather than asking one player to replace Greenard’s entire role.
Jihaad Campbell also factors into the equation. The linebacker can rush from the edge, blitz from depth, or align over a guard. A healthy Greenard would give the group a clear top three of Greenard, Smith and Hunt. Until then, Philadelphia will rely on efficient volume, varied alignments, a constant rotation, a wave of defenders, and interior pressure from Jalen Carter.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Projecting Eagles’ edge-rusher rotation entering Week 1
