5 bold predictions for Philadelphia Eagles in 2020

3. Philadelphia will have a top 10 defense

The Eagles managed to field a respectable defense in 2019 despite having one of the weakest secondaries in the NFL. The unit is set to take a massive step forward now that the secondary has been strengthened.

The blueprint for the Philadelphia defense is simple, but sound. They will continue to put a ton of pressure on opposing offenses with their talented defensive line. The combination of Barnett, Cox, Hargrave and Brandon Graham might give the Eagles the best front four in the NFL.

If the franchise can find an immediate starter at linebacker in the first round of the draft it’s got a chance to propel the unit into a top five ranking. That’s the only real weakness the paper has on defense at the moment. That’s something the front office should be able to fix before the regular season begins.

The Slay signing isn’t the only reason for optimism about the Philadelphia secondary. The returners should be in line for internal improvement now that they’re sliding down to play their appropriate positions. Simply put, a guy like Avonte Maddox or Sidney Jones looks horrible as a No. 1 corner but can grow into an above average player at the No. 2 spot. Look for Slay’s rising tide to lift all boats for his teammates in 2020.