The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX-winning 2024-25 season showcased a formidable interior defensive line, orchestrated by defensive coordinators Vic Fangio and Clint Hurtt. The rotation leaned heavily on a core four: star pass rushers Jalen Carter (1,065 defensive snaps, including playoffs) and Milton Williams (653 snaps), backed by Moro Ojomo (490 snaps) and Jordan Davis (444 snaps). Thomas Booker (179 snaps) was the only other defensive tackle to see action, a testament to the group’s health and consistency.
However, the Eagles face a significant challenge heading into the new season. Milton Williams, an emerging star, signed a lucrative deal with the New England Patriots, leaving a void in both impact and snap count. Replacing his production won’t fall to a single player but rather a collective effort—a “village” approach to fill the gap.
The conventional assumption is that rookie fourth-round pick Ty Robinson will step into the fourth spot in the rotation. Yet, other compelling options are vying for the role. Thomas Booker, a third-year player from Stanford, brings high football IQ and positional versatility. At 6-foot-3 and approximately 300 pounds, Booker can toggle between 3-technique and 4i alignments and hold his own at nose or shade techniques, making him a strong candidate to absorb some of Williams’ snaps.
Another intriguing option is Byron Young, a 2023 third-round pick claimed off waivers from Las Vegas during last year’s initial 53-man roster cutdown. After a near-redshirt season in Philly, Young got reps at the nose tackle in five-man fronts during minicamp, signaling the Eagles’ interest in his potential to contribute in specific packages.
Gabe Hall, an undrafted free agent from Baylor who spent his rookie year on the practice squad, rounds out the contenders. His length and raw skill set have caught the coaching staff’s attention, with significant developmental time invested in his growth.
Rather than one player shouldering Williams’ workload, the Eagles are poised to distribute snaps among Davis, Ojomo, and either Robinson, Booker, Young, or Hall. This committee approach allows flexibility and leverages the unique strengths of each player. For instance, if the Eagles continue to excel at stopping the run with lighter boxes—as they did last season—Jordan Davis’ time at nose tackle may decrease, reducing the need for a dedicated backup nose tackle.
While Robinson has a prime opportunity as a rookie, Booker’s readiness is closer than many realize. Meanwhile, Young and Hall’s intriguing skill sets have earned them significant developmental focus, suggesting the Eagles see long-term potential in both. As the Eagles embark on this new era, the defensive line’s depth and versatility will be key to sustaining their dominance. The village is ready to step up.