The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line is a treasure trove of talent, boasting household names like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith. Yet, according to legendary offensive lineman Lane Johnson, there’s a hidden gem ready to explode onto the NFL scene in 2025: Moro Ojomo. The third-year defensive tackle, often overshadowed by his high-profile teammates, is poised for a breakout season that could see him join the ranks of the league’s elite.
During joint practices with the Cleveland Browns this week, Johnson, a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line, couldn’t hold back his excitement about Ojomo’s potential. The 6-foot-3, 292-pound lineman, a seventh-round pick from Texas in 2023, has been turning heads in training camp, earning high praise from one of the NFL’s most respected veterans.
“Moro, I think Moro is really doing well,” Johnson told reporters on Wednesday. “Obviously [Jalen Carter] is who he is, but Moro is probably one of the more slept-on guys.”
This isn’t just locker-room hype. Johnson, who’s faced countless defensive linemen in his storied career, sees something special in Ojomo. “Take it from me, man, he’s the real deal,” Johnson emphasized. “Works his tail off, probably one of the hardest workers we have.”
Ojomo’s work ethic, combined with his raw talent, has Johnson convinced that the young lineman could follow in the footsteps of Milton Williams, who recently inked a four-year, $104 million deal with the New England Patriots. With Williams’ departure, Ojomo has stepped into a starting role on the Eagles’ defensive line, and he’s ready to seize the opportunity.
Ojomo’s journey hasn’t been flashy. In 2024, he played in every game for the Eagles, racking up 20 tackles and notching a sack in the team’s playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. While his regular-season stats don’t yet scream superstar—lacking a regular-season sack to his name—his impact goes beyond the box score. The Eagles’ defense led the NFL in yards-against per game in 2024 (278.4), and Ojomo’s contributions were a key part of that dominance.
Much like Williams, who recorded a modest 11.5 sacks during his Eagles tenure, Ojomo’s value lies in his relentless pressure and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His growth from his rookie year in 2023 to 2024, coupled with his standout performances in this year’s training camp, suggests he’s on the cusp of something big.
Ojomo’s emergence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Philly Voice’s Nick Tricome has chronicled the defensive tackle’s dominance in Eagles’ practices, noting that Ojomo has been a nightmare for the team’s offensive line. “He’s barreled down with constant pressure, forcing quarterback Jalen Hurts to act quick or leave the pocket in full 11-on-11 reps,” Tricome reported. “He’s often looked like he’s given the first-string offensive line all it can handle, especially when it’s already plenty busy worrying about Carter next to him.”
The joint practices with the Browns provided a fresh challenge, allowing Ojomo to showcase his skills against unfamiliar opponents. His ability to disrupt plays and command attention has sparked bold conversations about his potential to become a household name in 2025.
“Ojomo has definitely kept Johnson’s attention,” Tricome added, “and might garner alert from a whole lot of the league’s other offensive tackles real soon.”
As Ojomo enters the third year of his four-year rookie contract, the stakes are high. Playing alongside superstars like Carter (4.5 sacks in 2024, 10.5 career) and Smith, both top-30 picks in the 2023 draft, has kept Ojomo under the radar. But if Johnson’s prediction holds true, that won’t last long. With his relentless work ethic, growing confidence, and undeniable talent, Ojomo could be on the verge of a career-defining season.