Just How Good Will the Philadelphia Eagles' Defense Be?

If the free-agent signings in recent months have shown Eagles fans anything, it is that the team is looking for better playmakers on defense.

Sure, the offense got an upgrade in the draft with the likes of DeSean Jackson, but defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has made the headlines with the signing of former New England Pro Bowler, Asante Samuel.

Add to that the singing of defensive end Chris Clemmons, and the Eagles have the makings of a dominant defense.

But will it happen?

In recent years, the Eagles' defense has been known as a dominant unit, filled with defensive stars. Players like free safety Brian Dawkins and middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who have 10 Pro Bowl appearances between them, struck fear into the hearts of opposing teams.

Those days seem like a distant memory. After a significant drop in production, Trotter was unceremoniously dumped from the team in the middle of last year's preseason.

After his twins were born prematurely, family man Dawkins wisely put family first, choosing to taking care of his children. Unfortunately, the time away from the gym resulted in one of his worst years to date in 2007.

But things are looking brighter for the defense in 2008.

After a seemingly never-ending carousel of linebackers, head coach Andy Reid has a young starting corps that he believes in.

The group is anchored in the middle by second-year man Stewart Bradley, a third-round pick last season. In his first start against New Orleans, Bradley showed flashes, as he recorded a sack and an interception.

Weak-side linebacker Omar Gaither, with three years of experience under his belt, is the ranking veteran of the starting linebackers. Gaither showed the team enough to earn a starting role down the stretch in 2006. Because of the improved play of the defense, the Jeff Garcia-led Eagles made the playoffs.

Last season, Gaither was moved to middle linebacker, but the Eagles brass feel he is better served on the outside.

Finally, Chris Gocong is the wild card of the group. A converted defensive end, Gocong has the ability to be a quality pass-rusher. Although drafted the same year as Gaither, Gocong found himself on IR during his rookie campaign.

Being able to play together was very important for the new linebacker team, Gocong said. "As we play together more, we're going to bond and play well off each other."

Ultimately, the linebackers will make or break the Eagles' defense next season. If the unit can play consistently and make plays, the corps could be one of the strengths of the defense. If they struggle, Eagles fans can expect yet another different group of 'backers for the following season.

If the Eagles have an elite unit on the team, it would unquestionably be the secondary.

With the signing of Asante Samuel, the Eagles now have two Pro Bowl corners, with Lito Sheppard and Asante, and a corner in Sheldon Brown who seems to always be on the cusp of a breakout season.

After signing Samuel, Andy Reid made it clear that Sheppard's starting position had a new owner.

"I just feel like I'm at home. Everyone's been welcoming me, and it's been wonderful," Samuel said on his first day of training in Philadelphia. "I'm going to keep working hard, and keep chopping the wood."

Although Sheppard is unhappy with his contract and status with the team, he has kept his grievance out of the media.

If both sides can come to an agreement, a happy Sheppard could go a long way to having a group of corners that could give even Denver's lauded corps a run for their money.

The safety positions are a little more interesting.

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