The Philadelphia Eagles have assembled enough defensive depth to create legitimate competition across nearly every position group. The starting lineup contains established players, but the depth chart behind them remains unsettled. Younger prospects, practice-squad holdovers and veterans attempting to revive their careers will spend training camp competing for a limited number of openings. Roster decisions will not be based solely on defensive performance. Players near the bottom of the depth chart must contribute on special teams, handle multiple assignments and demonstrate enough developmental potential to justify an investment beyond this season.
Here is one player from each defensive position group facing a difficult path to Philadelphia’s
initial 53-man roster.
Defensive tackle: Gabe Hall
Hall has spent most of the past two seasons developing within the organization, but Philadelphia’s defensive tackle room has become increasingly crowded.
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo are established members of the rotation. Ty Robinson and Byron Young also return after earning roles last season, giving the Eagles five defensive tackles with clear advantages entering camp. Philadelphia then used a seventh-round pick on Uar Bernard and signed undrafted rookie Zion Wilson, who recorded seven sacks during his only season as a college starter. Ta’Quon Graham adds six years of NFL experience and has the ability to play multiple positions along the front. Hall appeared in one game last season and spent most of the year on the practice squad. At 6-foot-6 and 295 pounds, he has the length to provide interior pass-rushing potential, but he needs to demonstrate greater consistency against the run.
The Eagles kept six defensive tackles on their initial roster last season. Hall may need to move ahead of multiple players to claim a similar position in 2026.
Edge rusher: Jose Ramirez
Ramirez faces difficult roster math after Philadelphia invested heavily in rebuilding its edge rotation.
Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt return as the leading homegrown options. The Eagles added Jonathan Greenard, Arnold Ebiketie and A.J. Epenesa to provide proven NFL production. Seventh-round pick Keyshawn James-Newby should receive time to develop after recording nine sacks during his final college season. That leaves Ramirez competing with James-Newby, undrafted rookie Joshua Weru and other young defenders for what could be one roster spot. Weru’s rare athletic background and International Player Pathway eligibility may give Philadelphia additional options for retaining him. Ramirez has spent time developing in the organization but has not established a regular defensive role. He must produce as a pass rusher while becoming a dependable contributor on multiple special teams units.
The Eagles have enough established edge defenders to avoid keeping an additional player based strictly on potential. Ramirez must demonstrate that his development is ready to translate into regular-season production.
Linebacker: Chance Campbell
Campbell spent the 2025 season on Philadelphia’s practice squad after entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick by Tennessee in 2022. The Eagles already have Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell positioned for significant roles. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. offer recent draft-day investment, youth, and special-teams value.
Undrafted rookie Deontae Lawson may also have a developmental advantage. The former Alabama captain recorded 283 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks during his college career. His familiarity with Jihaad Campbell and experience against SEC competition make him an intriguing prospect. Chance Campbell must prove that his experience gives Philadelphia more immediate value than Lawson’s upside. His clearest path involves special teams, where reserve linebackers are expected to become core contributors.
The Eagles could keep five linebackers, but they may go lighter if Cooper DeJean and other defensive backs handle snaps near the line of scrimmage. That flexibility places even more pressure on Campbell to separate himself.
Cornerback: Ambry Thomas
Thomas has more NFL experience than most traditional roster-bubble players. He appeared in 42 games during three seasons with San Francisco, recording 65 tackles, 12 passes defended and two interceptions. His problem is the number of cornerbacks Philadelphia may need to move past. Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Riq Woolen are expected to start. Kelee Ringo remains a key special teams contributor, while Jakorian Bennett and Jonathan Jones bring starting experience. Michael Carter II can play slot cornerback and safety, giving him valuable flexibility.
Mac McWilliams, Shaun Wade, Kapena Gushiken and Tariq Castro-Fields are also competing for positions. Philadelphia kept six cornerbacks on its initial 53-man roster last season, meaning several capable options will likely be released.
Thomas must demonstrate that he can provide reliable outside coverage while contributing on special teams. His experience gives him a chance, but it may not be enough to overcome the Eagles’ investment in younger players.
Safety: Maximus Pulley
Pulley arrives with impressive production after earning consensus All-America recognition at Wofford. He recorded 85 tackles and a conference-leading five interceptions in 2025, returning two for touchdowns.
Despite that production, the undrafted rookie faces a difficult path.
Andrew Mukuba and Marcus Epps are the leading starting options, while Cooper DeJean is expected to play safety in base packages. J.T. Gray has one of the NFL’s strongest special teams resumes, and Michael Carter II offers cornerback-safety versatility.
Andre’ Sam has spent two seasons in Philadelphia’s system, while seventh-round pick Cole Wisniewski brings size, physicality and draft investment. Kapena Gushiken has also received safety consideration from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
The Eagles kept only three true safeties on their initial roster last season. Even if they expand that number, Pulley must move ahead of several players.
His ball production gives him an opportunity to make an impression. His chances of staying will depend on whether he can translate that awareness into NFL practices while becoming a dependable special-teams contributor.
Philadelphia will have difficult decisions
Hall, Ramirez, Campbell, Thomas and Pulley possess enough ability to remain in the NFL. Their uncertain status reflects the depth Philadelphia has assembled rather than a lack of potential. Each player must provide something that distinguishes him from the competition. That could mean positional versatility, special teams production, or a series of game-changing preseason plays.
Without that separation, the practice squad may represent the best outcome for the younger players. The veterans could be seeking another opportunity after the final cuts.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: One player on the Eagles' roster bubble at each defensive position
