Edge Outlook

In Jaelan Phillips, the Eagles once appeared to have landed their headline pass rusher for the future. When it came to snap share, Phillips ably handled volume, while tangibly enhancing the trajectory of the defense in ways that can’t fully be appreciated by glancing at a box score. He was an offseason priority for the team, to be sure, albeit within reason. The contract couldn’t be so cost-prohibitive that it hampered the team-building component.

That said, the Eagles are still in need of a top-of-the-rotation pass rusher, who comes with a track record of demonstrated performance, can absorb volume and command increased attention from opposing linemen. Time and flexibility favor the Eagles, who typically carry seven or eight pass rushers into training camp.

That description of a headliner, given where the Eagles are selecting, isn’t likely to be found in the upcoming NFL Draft, but it’s worth noting that the player acquisition period is always ongoing with Eagles’ executive vice president/general manager Howie Roseman at the helm.

Now inside a week of the NFL Draft, here’s a look at the current state of the position.

GETTY IMAGES: Entering year 3, Jalyx Hunt might have to be the top EDGE if the Eagles don’t add another top-line starter.

Jalyx Hunt

Roseman recently used the term “arrow-up” in a response regarding newly acquired wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, but it also applies to Hunt. The Houston Christian product saw his snap share swell from 241 as a rookie to 693 in his second season, turning loose a tools-laden rusher who appeared increasingly comfortable throughout the season when it came to handling volume. Hunt, who attacked the offseason and last summer reported to training camp with a filled-out physique, developed into a sound run defender and displayed refinement as a pass rusher.

A converted safety in college, Hunt also showcased his coverage chops when dropping into coverage, collecting three interceptions – one that he returned for a touchdown. Hunt last season also finished with 6.5 sacks, 24 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss and a pair of forced fumbles, but it’s worth noting that 5.5 of those sacks occurred following the trade deadline acquisition of Jaelan Phillips.

While his arrow is undeniably trending upwards, the 25-year-old Hunt would perhaps be better positioned to continue his ascent rushing opposite a top-of-the-rotation rusher. If his sophomore campaign was any indication, Hunt offers double-digit sack potential in 2026.

Nolan Smith

Oozing physicality and wired with a take-no-prisoners mentality, Smith’s impact has been most evident in run support. The fourth-year pass rusher storms downhill with urgency to set the edge and plays the game with controlled violence. He fits the mold of a throwback player. But playing somewhere between his listed 238-245 pounds, it’s reasonable to ponder whether that style is sustainable, given his bout with injuries. Furthermore, who Smith is as a player remains a bit of a mystery.

For context, the Georgia product was on a heater during the 2024 postseason that ultimately resulted in a Super Bowl victory, totaling four sacks, five quarterback hits and a forced fumble. Smith registered 6.5 sacks during the regular season, suggesting a breakthrough in 2025 was imminent. Sure, a triceps injury limited him to 12 games (451 snaps), but he tallied only three sacks and 11 quarterback hits. There’s more to his game that’s immeasurable on a box score, such as pressures and run defense, but three seasons of data is typically a good indicator of who a player is. I’ve remained bullish on Smith and believe he could handle 550-600 snaps (546 in 2024 was a career-high) in a prominent role, but to maximize his impact – and for preservation purposes – perhaps he’s best suited as the third option.

Arnold Ebiketie

Among the more intriguing external additions to the Eagles’ roster this offseason, Ebiketie – who goes by A.K. – appears to have a clear pathway to snaps as a complementary rusher. Signed to a two-year deal in March, Ebiketie returned to Philadelphia (he began his collegiate career at Temple) on the heels of a four-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons. Ebiketie, in 67 games (12 starts), totaled 129 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 41 quarterback hits and four forced fumbles. He’s never accounted for more than 49 percent of the defensive snaps in any of his four seasons, but barring injury, volume shouldn’t be a concern. For context, the Eagles haven’t implemented a particularly deep pass-rush rotation under coordinator Vic Fangio. Jaelan Phillips, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith absorbed the lion’s share of the snaps, while Josh Uche covered 22 percent (12 games). Ebiketie, whose arm length exceeds 34 inches, uses his hands effectively when combating offensive linemen and his motor never stalls. As the projected fourth pass rusher in the pecking order, it’s reasonable to expect Ebiketie’s role largely replicating the one Uche fulfilled a season ago.

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

A low-risk, one-year flyer with theoretical upside as a rotational piece, Tryon-Shoyinka gets a fresh start following a season in which he logged the fewest defensive snaps of his career. A first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021, Tryon-Shoyinka, 26, appeared in 66 games in his four seasons with the team. He collected 15 sacks during that span, including a career-high five in 2023.

Tryon-Shoyinka last offseason signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears, but was dealt at the deadline to the Cleveland Browns. While he wasn’t able to factor into either team’s defensive plans, Tryon-Shoyinka – similar to veteran free-agent signings Azeez Ojulari and Uche last offseason – will have an opportunity to contend for a roster spot. The 6-foot-5, 259-pounder provides athleticism and coveted length for the position, and moves fairly well in space. Consistency, along with special teams impact, are likely to determine his roster outlook.

Jose Ramirez

Ramirez, 26, signed a reserve/future contact with the Eagles in January. The 6-foot-2, 252-pound pass rusher was originally a 2023 sixth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent his first two seasons, appearing in four games and logging 30 defensive snaps and another 40 on special teams.

Last season, Ramirez tried his hand up north, appearing in three games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL. The Eastern Michigan product was credited with four tackles and a sack. The room is expected to grow in time – Roseman at the NFL Scouting Combine mentioned the team usually carries seven or eight players at the position for training camp – and bump Ramirez further down the depth chart. With that in mind, Ramirez will enter training camp as a roster long shot who, with an encouraging camp, could perhaps elbow his way into the mix for a spot on the practice squad.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.