Eagles' Fletcher Cox's 'Fastball Wasn't What It Was' 2 Years Ago, Per NFL Coach

Fletcher Cox may be nearing the end of his NFL prime, but he's still striking fear into opposing offenses. 

"Fastball wasn't what it was two years ago, but still premier," a veteran NFL defensive coach said of Cox, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. 

A group of more than 50 executives, coaches, scouts and players were polled and ranked Cox third among interior defensive linemen, behind Aaron Donald and Chris Jones.

Heading into his ninth NFL season, Cox has made the Pro Bowl the last five seasons and is a four-time All Pro. The 2019 season was the first time he failed to make an All-Pro team since 2016. His 3.5 sacks were the second-lowest total of his career, though he still wreaked enough havoc to earn an 84.5 grade from Pro Football Focus.

"There's no one else I hate facing more, maybe other than Aaron Donald," said one veteran NFL guard. "He can beat you with speed or overpower you."

Cox is under contract with the Eagles for the next three seasons, a deal that should take him through the remainder of his prime.