Eagles' most important non-QBs could make or break their defense in 2025

There has been considerable discussion about the Philadelphia Eagles' youth on defense, despite the significant talent already present on the team. The team is hoping to receive significant contributions from two of them, so they won't have to look to free agency or the trade market to replace them.

CBS Sports writer Jared Dubin named his most significant players on each NFL team. While most only had one player, Dubin named two young defenders on the Eagles: Moro Ojomo and Jalyx Hunt.

"Ojomo played 37% of the defensive snaps last season and totaled 20 tackles and five quarterback hits, but he had a strong playoff run with seven tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. Hunt only played 25% of the snaps and had 22 tackles, one tackle for loss and 1.5 sacks during the regular season, then picked up 10 tackles, one tackle for loss and 1.5 sacks (including half a sack in the Super Bowl) in four playoff games. 

They should get up closer to half the defensive snaps or more this season, assuming they're able to handle the increase in responsibility. Knowing how the Eagles develop players up front, they should be up for the challenge."

Ojomo and Hunt have big shoes to fill on the Eagles' defense

A significant reason Ojomo and Hunt were named was due to the players they had to replace. Milton Williams and Josh Sweat are on other teams due to free agency, Brandon Graham retired from football, and Bryce Huff was traded to the San Francisco 49ers during the offseason workouts.

Ojomo has already been getting some buzz as Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 32nd best interior defensive lineman in the NFL. He earned that ranking despite the fact that he only played 37% of the snaps in 2024, but still racked up 20 tackles and five quarterback hits.

Hunt appears to have been getting his own buzz as well as he has been a candidate to have a breakout season in 2025. His 2024 season consisted of 21 tackles, three quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and one tackle for loss in 16 games. He was a disruptor in the playoffs as well with 10 tackles, three quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks, including a half sack on Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl win.

Philadelphia decided to hold off on any major trades because there is a belief that Ojomo and Hunt will play well in 2025. Ojomo should be a surefire starter in 2025. Hunt will still have to compete for his starting position with Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche.

If the Eagles can get early contributions from both guys to start the season, that will set the tone for what could be a great title defense run for the team. On the flip side, if they fumble their opportunity, it could hurt the Eagles in the long run.