In three years at Mississippi State, Cox recorded a total of 113 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He also forced 2 fumbles, and overall he has tremendous raw athletic ability and a huge upside. Mike Patterson's injury will force Cox to be extra prepared for the start of the season. While it's certainly a shame that Patterson is hurt, his injury will enable to Cox to see a lot more snaps with the first team.
Experts and fans everywhere seem to agree that the Fletcher Cox selection was a tremendous pick by the Eagles. In the past though, the Eagles have certainly had trouble drafting talented defensive linemen.
2000: DT Corey Simon
2003: DE Jerome McDougle
2005: DT Mike Patterson
2006: DT Brodrick Bunkley
2010: DE Brandon Graham
Aside from Simon and Patterson, the Eagles have struggled greatly drafting linemen. Hopefully Fletcher Cox will be a change in that trend and be able to learn a lot from veteran leader Cullen Jenkins.
A huge problem for the Eagles last year on defense was the large holes created by the wide 9 formation. For this season, hopefully Jenkins and Cox will be able to step up and fill those holes nicely and get into the backfield to make some plays.
I also think the Eagles should continue only using the wide 9 formation on definite passing plays. Toward the end of last year, Juan Castillo adjusted and limited the use of the the wide 9 for mostly passing plays. On definite passing plays, it is a huge advantage for the Eagles to have Jason Babin and Trent Cole coming off the edges at fast speeds. But if the opposition runs the ball, both Babin and Cole are 3-4 yards out of the main picture and huge running lanes are opened.
Overall, I think that Fletcher Cox is the final piece to a highly talented defensive line. Babin and Cole proved how effective they can be last year posting 18 and 11 sacks respectively. And now hopefully Cullen Jenkins has a partner of his own who will hopefully wreak havoc on opposing offenses for years to come.
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