Good And Plenty

PHILADELPHIA — Last month, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio gave the edge to his inside linebacker room as the deepest position on defense, though a compelling case could be also made for the outside linebacker room.

The assembled group this season is diverse, offering a wide range of tools and field experience.

The ace of the rotation is veteran Jonathan Greenard, whom the Eagles acquired in a trade on draft weekend. A pre-training camp pectoral injury sustained when lifting weights in the Eagles’ weight room landed the 29-year-old on the reserve/physically unable to perform list for the duration of camp.

Ahead of joint practices with the Patriots, Fangio mentioned he was unsure when Greenard would return, adding that his injury needs time to heal, but Greenard opened the season on the Eagles’ 53-man roster, an encouraging indication that he’s trending in a positive direction.

While expectations should be tempered in terms of an early impact, as Greenard will presumably first need to rebuild strength and stamina before being fully turned loose, the seventh-year pro boasts a decorated resume and majors in getting to the quarterback. He also doubles as a mentor – Greenard, as we learned this spring, is affectionately referred to as ‘Unc’ by teammates – for some of the younger players in the room, like Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith.

GETTY IMAGES: Nolan Smith (3) and Jalyx Hunt (58) are two of five Eagles EDGEs who can all make an impact.

Whenever he does return to action, Greenard, who has 38 career sacks, profiles as pass-rusher who will unlock the full potential of the rest of the group. And even though Greenard hasn’t yet been able to demonstrate his value on the practice field, the veteran has managed to make a positive impression behind the scenes.

“He’s been great,” outside linebackers coach Jeremiah Washburn said. “He’s what we thought he’d be, and working really hard and staying engaged. And has been an A+ in the meeting room and on the field.”

But even if Greenard still needs a bit more time on the mend, the Eagles are more than equipped to navigate the interim, a testament to the depth behind him. Much of that confidence is derived from the rapid ascent of third-year pro Jalyx Hunt, arguably the team’s most pronounced summer standout.

Hunt, who last season led all Eagles pass rushers in snaps (693), sacks (6.5) and quarterback hits (24) while also leading the Eagles in interceptions (three), was a disruptive force in training camp. His play recognition and attention to detail is noticeably amplified in Year 3, and his pass rush plan of attack is now more nuanced and refined.

The buzz is legitimate, as the 25-year-old has consistently showcased the necessary ingredients to facilitate another big step forward.

“I think he has narrowed in on his identity and who he wants to be as a player, which is very important as a third-year player,” Washburn said. “I know Nolan [Smith] did the same last year. [Smith] was battling an injury, but both those guys I think in year three really said, ‘Okay, hey, this is who I’m gonna be,’ and really leaned into it. And I respect him for that, and we continually talk about that, as player and coach of just, his identity and I think he’s really trying to carve that out.”

Not to be forgotten is Smith, the Eagles’ fourth-year pass rusher whom Washburn noted entered the offseason “really focused,” with a specific goal and mindset. Compared to Hunt, Smith’s summer flew a bit under-the-radar, but the 2023 first-round pick consistently flashed. He arrived to camp a few pounds heavier relative to previous seasons, complementing his violent edge-setting and throwback play style.

As a pass rusher, Smith brought juice, but perhaps most encouraging is his health entering the season, which could yield a fast start out of the gate. If his summer was any indication of what’s in store, Smith could also be in line for a splashy campaign.

Ahead of the Eagles’ public practice last month, Smith identified specific areas he focused on with a new season approaching.

“Just some personal things, but mostly, health,” he said. “Making sure I can make it through to all 18 and making sure my arm’s strong enough. And I’m excited. I got my weight back, got my weight up, and just ready to rock and roll.”

Filling out the depth chart are a pair of veterans in Arnold Ebiketie and A.J. Epenesa, who have a combined 158 games (31 starts) of NFL experience. Epenesa, whose frame and skill set differentiates himself from others in the room, steps into a system entailing different demands relative to the one he played in as a member of the Buffalo Bills. He’s made strides in coverage throughout the summer, though his impact is most likely to show up with his physicality in run support.

Ebiketie, 27, is a player the Eagles liked coming out of college. He brings the athleticism and explosiveness projected to translate into an effective complementary role.

To reiterate, this collection of talent offers a wide variety of experience and styles, arming the Eagles with plenty of proven depth on the edge. As Washburn pointed out, every pass rush group has a different flavor, equipped with different attributes and personalities. He’s overseen some prolific units during his time in Philadelphia, including a 2022 group that produced three players with double-digit sacks.

So, how would Washburn characterize this particular group?

“Oh, Baskin-Robbins, man,” he said, chuckling. “Everybody’s got a little different thing that they can do, and that makes it… That’s nice. That’s helpful for us. It really is. And Vic’s always great with that and, and [Clint] Hurtt. We’ve just got different guys that can do different things and that’s always helpful for us with match ups.”

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is the Eagles beat reporter for InsideTheBirds.com.