The Eagles will enter Thursday night’s first round of the NFL draft with 10-picks and immediate opportunities to add dynamic playmakers on the defensive side of the football.
Last year at this time, Jonathan Gannon was being introduced to the media and trying to describe his defensive scheme to inquiring minds.
Rather than describe a 4-3, or 3-4 scheme to the masses, Gannon spoke of versatility and adaptation while adopting 4 key principles to his defensive philosophy: H.I.T.S
Hustle
Intensity
Takeaways
Smarts
Gannon has previously referenced the Bears Matt Eberflus, Emmitt Thomas, Jerry Gray, and his biggest coaching influence, former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer.
A mostly two-high safety, press-man scheme, that’ll employ a 4-2-5 nickel package in this pass-happy NFL, Gannon’s goal is to utilize cornerbacks that can deal with big wide receivers, while his interchangeable safeties make plays on the backend.
Gannon will focus on stopping the run while mixing up coverage with the back 7.
With Philadelphia looking to greatly improve on defense in 2022, here are 10 prospects that’ll immediately fit Gannon’s scheme.