Four Players Who Could Stop Eagles’ Defense From Being Elite in 2026
· Yahoo Sports
There is a lot to like about the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2026 NFL season, but there is reason to worry as well.
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How does A.J. Brown's departure impact the offense? Will Sean Mannion be a good playcaller? Can Jalen Hurts prove his doubters wrong like he has before? But there is a big question often ignored, which revolves around the defense.
As Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport noted, four players could pose a problem for the Eagles' defense, each of which could keep this defense from being elite in 2026, as many expect them to be.
"Philly traded for veteran edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard in the offseason, but youngsters like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt need to step up," Davenport writes. "Young linebackeR Jihaad Campbell also needs to take a step-the Eagles can't afford to allow nearly 125 yards per game on the ground this year."
Looking over this Eagles defense, it's hard not to have immense confidence that they can be one of the best units in the league. But there is a big question mark with these four defenders.
Smith needs to take a step forward as both a run defender and as a pass rusher, which he's shown flashes of at times during his career, but has yet to put it all together.
Hunt is another player who needs to step up in 2026, though his progression has been a bit more linear, and he's someone fans should be very excited about. But there are still a lot of questions about whether Hunt can take on a larger role in 2026.
Greenard is another obvious key for this Eagles defense, as he needs to make up for the loss of Phillips in free agency, while also providing some high-profile pass-rushing numbers in 2026 and beyond after his big trade and $100 million extension.
Lastly, Campbell, while not an edge rusher like the other three, will be filling in for Nakobe Dean, and is someone the Eagles really need to take a step forward in both the pass-rushing game and the run-stopping game.
He flashed some incredible coverage skills last season, but he now needs to tap into his run-stuffing and block-shedding abilities.
All four players are part of the front-seven for the Eagles, and each needs to take a leap in 2026 for this Eagles defense.
As good as Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Riq Woolen, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo are, the Eagles really need Hunt, Smith, Campbell, and Greenard to be great if this defense wants to avoid the worst-case scenario in 2026.