Eagles draft 4 different players aimed at rushing the passer?

The Philadelphia Eagles value the big bodies in the trenches unlike any other team in the league they have had an unprecedented run drafting offensive and defensive lineman in the first and second round in the last two decades under Howie Roseman and Company. And this season was no different, although I was slightly shocked to see our team draft or separate defensive lineman or Edge rushers.

Even after an offseason that saw us jettison a versatile guy like Malik Jackson, and re-sign a depth player like Hassan Ridgeway at defensive tackle, the Eagles spent a third-round pick, a 5th round pick, a sixth- round pick, and a seventh-round pick solidifying a position that still holds names like Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, and Derek Barnett. At first glance this is an extremely unnecessary investment, however that may not be the case exactly. 

If you take a look at some of these guys or seems the Eagles have definitive roles in mind for these guys, and needs that may not be apparent now, but will become apparent by the 2022 offseason, when guys like Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, Hassaan Ridgeway, Ty McGill, and Genard Avery hit free agency among other lesser known players. Guys like Milton Williams, Marlon Tuipulotu, Terron Jackson, and Patrick Johnson all of a sudden it rolls that make a lot of sense heading into 2023.

First let's take a closer look at Milton Williams, the guy who is listed as a defensive tackle but has the quick-twitch ability and lacks the size the play full time at defensive tackle in the NFL. Although many teams believe that he can continue to add weight, considering the fact that he bulked up nearly 50 lb in 3 years of college, but I see him as a developmental version of Cameron Jordan from The Saints. Cameron Jordan is a 6-foot for 286 pound 4-3 defensive end. However his bigger body, and strength allow him to at times shift inside and play defensive tackle as well. This is a roll I could see Williams stepping into. This is the same role that Malik Jackson just vacated. Having a guy that fits this need, is something the Eagles have gone out of their way to ensure they have a player to sub in when Hargrave a more natural nose tackle, comes off the field on 3rd down, and I believe that will be Williams role in 2021.

Marlon Tuipulotu, is a 6'4 305 lb natural 4-3 defensive tackle who is almost a perfect clone of former 4th round pick Ridgeway, who will likely be leaving in 2022 offseason. He is a guy who needs a year or two to develop and learn the NFL game but should become solid depth as a 4th tackle. 

Terron Jackson is a good fit and had solid production at a small school at Coastal Carolina. He produced 24.5 sacks as a 4 year contributor, but has some weaknesses that could keep him as simply a depth player. At 6'2 254 lbs some have speculated he could be moved to 3 technique if he adds weight but I think he is likely to stay at end long term. He had solid junior and senior seasons with 18.5 sacks. 

Finally we have Patrick Johnson regarded as an outside edge rusher he played as a 3-4 linebacker prospect however the Eagles have a similar player in Genard Avery who plays a strongside linebacker role despite rushing the passer nearly every snap he is on the field. Josh Sweat is also an undersized lineman that is known for his speed off the edge. Johnson is their developmental prospect to replace that production next offseason.