Roster Breakdown: Defensive Line

One of the most important aspects of a great defense is the ability to get after the quarterback and make him uncomfortable and disrupt his timing. When the opposing quarterback is uncomfortable in the pocket, turnovers happen and further opportunities are given to the offense.

The Eagles realize the importance of having a successful defensive line as they acquired Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins in free agency. Perhaps their biggest defensive line acquisition came back before the lockout when they signed Jim Washburn to be there defensive line coach. Washburn comes into Philadelphia with the reputation as one of the best D-line specialists in the game. Let's take a look at the talent and weapons Washburn is going to have at his disposal.

Cullen Jenkins DT Last year for the Green Bay Packers, Jenkins had 7 sacks in just 11 games. Jenkins is listed as a defensive tackle but he has played defensive end in the past. With the departure of Broderick Bunkley and the uncertainity surrounding Mike Patterson, Jenkins is slotted in as a starter at defensive tackle. At 6-2, 305 lbs, Jenkins is a big boy who can take up a ton of space in the middle.

Trevor Laws DT With Mike Patterson still a huge question mark, as of right now Trevor Laws is the other starter at defensive tackle. A 2008 draft pick from Notre Dame, Laws has not logged too much time playing behind Bunkley and Patterson. Last year Laws had 4 sacks and if Patterson isn't ready for opening day the Eagles are going to rely heavily on the services of Laws.

Mike Patterson DT I have heard conflicting reports about the severity of Mike Patterson's condition. Some experts believe it's a quick fix via medication while others say the Patterson will need surgery. According to a report from Reuben Frank, Andy Reid said that Patterson will be out for a while. At this point Patterson is still meeting with different doctors and specialists to figure out the next step to take. Unfortunately I feel that this is not going to be a quick fix and Patterson will most likely miss a substantial amount of time.

Jason Babin DE A lot of experts and fans are very skeptical about the Babin signing. Many people feel that he doesn't deserve the contract he received from the Eagles after just one good year. My response to Babin's critics is to inform them of the Jim Washburn factor. During his time with the Eagles Babin was a nobody, a dissapointment, and considered by many to be a bust. But last year under the coaching of Jim Washburn, Babin had his best year recording 12.5 sacks and I don't think Babin is a one hit wonder. I think Babin comes to Philadelphia with a hunger to win and a hunger to prove his critics wrong. I expect Babin to have a big year and open things up for fellow Pro-Bowler Trent Cole.

Trent Cole DE Cole was probably so happy when he found out the Eagles signed Jason Babin. With Babin on the other end, teams will no longer be able to focus solely on Cole as they will have to pay attention to Babin coming off the other end as well. Babin will create opportunities for Cole similar to how Jeremy Maclin and Desean Jackson create opportunities for each other. A two time Pro-Bowler, I think the best is yet to come for Cole who finally will be playing with another outstanding defensive end.

Mike Patterson Patterson is a huge question mark right now. As I stated before I feel that his brain condition is extremely serious and I feel that he could miss more time than expected. Hopefully the line of Jenkins, Babin, and Cole will be able to hold the fort until he returns.

Brandon Graham The Eagles first round draft pick had a pretty solid rookie campaign last year. Graham definitely has room for improvement and will be a vital part of the defensive end rotation this season. Jim Washburn will definitely get a lot out of Graham this year and get him to play at his full potential.

Darryl Tapp In Patterson's absence, Tapp will also be given an opportunity at a starting spot at tackle. Tapp was signed as a free agent last year after playing 4 years in Seattle. Tapp had 3 sacks last year.

Antonio Dixon Another defensive tackle, Dixon was an undrafted free agent in 2009 and will look to compete this year in training camp.

With a secondary consisting of Asomuga, Rodgers-Cromartie, and Samuel, the Eagles defensive line will have another split second to get after the quarterback which is absolutely crucial. With outstanding corners, a great D-Line coach, and multiple free agent pick ups, I think we can expect big things from this line this year. Teams are going to dread facing this line that will wreak havoc on quarterbacks week after week.