NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense?

NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense this season?

Dec 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) celebrates his second interception with Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Philadelphia Eagles

Notable additions: DT Jalen Carter, EDGE Nolan Smith=
Notable losses: DT Javon Hargrave, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S Marcus Epps, LB T.J. Edwards, OLB Kyzir White
2022 scoring defense: 8th
2022 yards defense: 2nd

It was a rough offseason for the Eagles’ defense, which lost five starters in free agency, including Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Last season, Hargrave was tied for second on the team in sacks (11.0). Over the last two years (including the playoffs), he has recorded a PFF pass-rush grade of 92.4; that is the second-best in the NFL behind only Aaron Donald.

Nevertheless, the Eagles were able to re-sign cornerback James Bradberry and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. Furthermore, many key players from their 2022 defense remain on the roster, including edge rusher Haason Reddick, defensive ends Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham, and cornerback Darius Slay.

Rookies Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith are wild cards. Carter was labeled as one of the top prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he was reportedly out of shape at his Pro Day and could not finish the drills. Smith was ranked as the top edge rusher in the 2019 recruiting class by 247Sports, but he did not put up big numbers at Georgia. As a senior, he recorded 18 total tackles and three sacks.

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