PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense enters the 2025 season with a balanced mix of developing talent and veteran know-how. Five new starters—Moro Ojomo, Jalyx Hunt, Jihaad Campbell, Sydney Brown and Adoree’ Jackson—are stepping into key spots to reshape the unit under coordinator Vic Fangio.
Moro Ojomo takes over at defensive tackle following Milton Williams’ departure. Drafted in 2023, Ojomo is poised to be a disruptor in the interior, offering strong run defense and pressure potential alongside Jalen Carter.
On the edge, Jalyx Hunt, a 2024 third-round pick, fills the void left by Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham. Hunt’s hybrid background—beginning as a safety before shifting to edge rusher—gives Fangio added versatility for complex pressure schemes.
At linebacker, Jihaad Campbell, the team’s first-round pick from Alabama, is expected to take early reps due to teammate Nakobe Dean starting the year on the physically unable to perform list. Campbell’s combination of speed and coverage ability positions him well for Fangio’s flexible fronts.
Sydney Brown steps into a larger role in the secondary. Now entering his third season, Brown sidesteps his previous ACL setback and is poised to start alongside Reed Blankenship. With C.J. Gardner-Johnson no longer on the roster, Brown brings both familiarity and grit.
Adding experience to a young secondary, Adoree’ Jackson brings veteran presence after signing in free agency. With Darius Slay’s exit, Jackson’s proven coverage skills provide stability behind emerging corner options.
New Starters & Roles
| Starter | Experience | Fills Role Vacated By |
|---|---|---|
| Moro Ojomo (DT) | Year 3 | Milton Williams |
| Jalyx Hunt (Edge) | Year 2 | Josh Sweat & Brandon Graham |
| Jihaad Campbell (LB) | Rookie, 1st Round | Nakobe Dean (injured), Zack Baun’s hybrid spots |
| Sydney Brown (S) | Year 3 | C.J. Gardner-Johnson |
| Adoree’ Jackson (CB) | Veteran FA | Darius Slay |
This revamped lineup signals a strategic shift toward adaptability. Ojomo and Hunt inject youthful energy up front, Campbell gives Fangio dynamic coverage and blitzing options, Brown anchors the back end with system knowledge, and Jackson contributes seasoned coverage skills. This blend raises the ceiling for Philadelphia’s defense, making it unpredictable and multidimensional.
