Cream Of The Crop

When the Eagles take the practice field later this month, it’s reasonable to expect the defense to have a decisive head start over the offense.

Implementing a new offense requires patience and tends to invite growing pains, for starters. But it’s also worth noting that the nucleus of the ascending Eagles’ defense will be entering their third season together. Adding to that continuity is defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who also enters his third season.

There are far too many players on Fangio’s unit primed for training camp stardom. But in the spirit of moderately unconventional thinking, I chose to omit the usual suspects, fixating on specific qualities and established knowledge.

ITB PHOTO/ANDREW DICECCO: This could be Andre’ Sam’s best, and last, chance to make the 53 with a good camp.

Taking into account skill set, role and opportunities, I attempted to project the Eagles’ defensive standouts at camp:

DT Moro Ojomo

Ojomo has already been there, done that, but I’m curious to see what the fourth-year pro does for an encore following a productive 2025 camp. The 24-year-old disarmed interior linemen with violent hands and quickness, but it was his unique ability to consistently win the leverage game that fueled his emergence. Last summer, guards Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen each highlighted Ojomo’s skill set, with Dickerson including that Ojomo was “awkward” to block (in a good way). Ojomo has a lower center of gravity compared to his linemates and his understanding of blocking scheme and protections gives him a decided advantage before the ball is even snapped. Ojomo finished last season with the fifth-most defensive snaps and turned in a career season. Expect more of the same from him in 2026, beginning in late July.

When asked about Ojomo this spring, defensive line coach Clint Hurtt delivered a strong endorsement:

“I expect the world out of him,” he said. “I’m so impressed with this guy, with his work ethic, his commitment to excellence. It sounds like coach-talk, but it’s not with this guy. Everything he does is with a purpose – how he takes care of his body, how he trains, how he studies film, the questions that he asks on the football field. He’s almost a pest with the little nuances of the game, just to try to find ways to continue to get better. And I expect a great year out of him.”

OLB Jalyx Hunt

Hunt took a sizeable leap in his second season, and his arrow is only trending upwards. The third-year pro last season led the Eagles in sacks (6.5), quarterback hits (24) and interceptions. He also led all edge rushers in snaps (693). Hunt has filled out his frame, transforming himself into an effective two-way rusher, and stands to directly reap the benefits of playing opposite Jonathan Greenard. But the driving force behind this projection stems from Hunt’s evolution as a pass rusher. The 25-year-old was always explosive and twitched-up but has become more refined in his approach. Hunt has a plan and wider array of moves, and his hands and feet are in constant unison. His attention to detail is also notable. Hunt’s first-step quickness figures to give offensive tackles fits, and his knack for sniffing out plays and derailing momentum has the potential to become a common occurrence.

LB Smael Mondon Jr.

When putting together this list, I kept going back to this image of Mondon from last summer, running step-for-step with Saquon Barkley down the sideline. The hit rate of those back-breaking wheel route connections in camp had mostly been successful, that sequence being one of the exceptions. That was just one example of Mondon exhibiting his range and athleticism. He never looked out of sorts in practice and was often in position to make the play. The 2025 fifth-round pick logged only 14 defensive snaps as a rookie — expect more of the same in 2026 — but Mondon will enter his second camp with a better foothold on the defense and his job description within it. I could have easily listed Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in this space to represent the linebackers, but Mondon also fits the bill.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles CB Riq Woolen already shined in the spring camps.

CB Riq Woolen

With his 6-foot-4 frame and ball skills on full display in spring practices, Woolen decidedly stole the show. The former Seahawks cover man also showcased his range and long speed, matching routes and narrowing throwing windows in each of the media-attended sessions. Woolen, of course, was signed to bring stability opposite star cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, and he’s certainly passed the eye test. The true test begins later this month when the Eagles open camp, but Woolen just feels like a big play waiting to happen. With 2025 All Pros Mitchell and Cooper DeJean patrolling the secondary, Woolen figures to be targeted plenty this summer, providing ample opportunity to generate splash plays. Defensive backs with Woolen’s athletic profile are atypical, to be sure, but once getting past that, you’ll see a motivated playmaker poised to validate the increasing buzz.

S Andre’ Sam

When compiling my final Eagles 53-man roster projection late last summer, I was convinced Sam might sneak his way onto the roster as the final safety. Ultimately, he didn’t — that slot initially went to Tristin McCollum — but it was apparent that Sam was trending in the right direction. The 27-year-old has spent the better part of his first two seasons on the Eagles’ practice squad, learning under position coach Joe Kasper, who has since been promoted to defensive passing game coordinator. Sam is also entering his third year in Vic Fangio’s system, suggesting a comfort level that will allow him to play fast and free in practice. That knowledge, coupled with Sam’s inherent feistiness, should manifest in an active camp.

When discussing the competition at safety this spring, Kasper offered a brief synopsis of the room. He had this to say about Sam:

“Andre’ Sam is somebody that’s been in the program for a long time with us and continues to develop and grow,” he said. “And obviously, as an undrafted player, develops and grows at a different rate, but we’re excited about him.”

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