The Philadelphia Eagles have a storied history of exceptional defensive linemen who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. From Reggie White’s imposing presence to Brandon Graham’s relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks, each player on this esteemed list has carved their name into Eagles’ history. Let’s go over the best Eagles defensive linemen of all-time.
Here are our top 10 Eagles defensive linemen ever. Click to jump to a player.
- Reggie White
- Fletcher Cox
- Trent Cole
- Brandon Graham
- Clyde Simmons
- Jerome Brown
- Hugh Douglas
- Andy Harmon
- Charlie Johnson
- Floyd Peters
1. Reggie White
“The Minister of Defense” is undoubtedly the greatest defensive lineman in Eagles history. White played for the Eagles from 1985 to 1992 and is one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history. During his time in Philadelphia, he recorded 124 sacks, won two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, and earned seven Pro Bowl selections. White was a key figure in transforming the Eagles’ defense and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
2. Fletcher Cox
Fletcher Cox is a dominant defensive tackle who has been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ defense since he was drafted in 2012. He has consistently been one of the top interior linemen in the league, earning six Pro Bowl selections and First-team All-Pro honors once.
3. Trent Cole
Trent Cole is one of the most prolific pass rushers in Eagles’ history. He played for the team from 2005 to 2014 and ranks first on the Eagles’ all-time sack list with 85.5 sacks. Cole was a two-time Pro Bowler and consistently disrupted opposing quarterbacks with his relentless style of play.
4. Brandon Graham
A first-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Brandon Graham has been a revelation in Philadelphia. In 13 years in Philly, Graham has carved out a productive and impactful career that includes a Super Bowl victory in 2017. He also recorded arguably the most significant play in franchise history, a strip sack of Tom Brady to seal the Super Bowl LII win. At the age of 34, Graham recorded a career-high 11 sacks in 2022, showing he still has plenty left in the rank as the Eagles try to make another Super Bowl run.
5. Clyde Simmons
Clyde Simmons played for the Eagles from 1986 to 1993 and was part of the formidable “Gang Green” defense. He ranks second on the Eagles’ all-time sack list with 76.0 sacks and was a dominant force as a pass rusher. Simmons was a two-time First-team All-Pro and earned two Pro Bowl selections during his Eagles tenure.
6. Jerome Brown
Jerome Brown was a force on the defensive line during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He played for the Eagles from 1987 to 1991 before his tragic passing in a car accident. Brown was a two-time Pro Bowler and played a crucial role in the success of the “Gang Green” defense. He played every game between 1988 and 1991, recording 10.5 sacks in 1989 before making the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams in 1990 and 1991.
7. Hugh Douglas
When Philadelphia was looking to add a fierce pass rusher in 1998, they added former New York Jets defensive end Hugh Douglas. It didn’t take long for Douglas to announce his arrival, as he racked up 12.5 sacks in his first season on the defensive line. Following an injury-riddled campaign in 1999, Douglas bounced back with 15 sacks and his first Pro Bowl appearance. He would go on to make three consecutive Pro Bowls and record 54.5 sacks with the Eagles before retiring following the team’s Super Bowl appearance in 2004.
8. Andy Harmon
Andy Harmon played for the Eagles from 1991 to 1997 and was a dependable and productive defensive lineman. He recorded 39.5 sacks during his Eagles career and was a consistent presence in the trenches.
9. Charlie Johnson
Charlie Johnson was a key member of the Eagles’ defensive line in the 1970s. He played for the team from 1977 to 1986 and was known for his toughness and disruptive play.
10. Floyd Peters
Floyd Peters played for the Eagles from 1958 to 1964 and was a standout defensive lineman during his time with the team. He was a key part of the Eagles’ defense in the early 1960s and was known for his tenacious play.
