4. Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles
Cox did not live up to his high standards in 2019. Usually, he’s the best defensive player in the NFC East, but the former 12th overall pick got off to a slow start in 2019. He appeared in all 16 games but saw his statistics take a significant hit.
In 2018, Cox earned the only First-Team All-Pro selection of his career. He was unstoppable that year, generating 46 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 34 quarterback hits, and 45 pressures. Those numbers dropped to 40 tackles, 3.5 sacks, ten quarterback hits, and 21 pressures in 2019.
While Cox’s production experienced a severe drop-off, he’s still one of the NFL’s top five defensive tackles. If this article relied solely on production from 2019, neither Cox nor Leighton Vander Esch would’ve cracked the list. However, because we’re discussing raw talent, Cox easily earns a top-five spot.
The Eagles added another elite defender this offseason when they traded for Darius Slay. The former Lion becomes the best cornerback in the NFC East, especially with Bryon Jones leaving Dallas. Slay earned a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2017 and went to the Pro Bowl in each of the past three years.
