Best defensive player at each position in the NFC East

From 2023 to 2024, there’s been some significant changes made in the NFC East division via free agency and the NFL Draft. The Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants all have some talented players on their rosters, but which of them are the best at their given positions?

Today, we are going to scour the NFC East division and identify who we believe to be the best player at each position on the defensive side of the ball is. Opinions will vary of course, but that’s part of sports and why we enjoy doing these types of exercises.

DT – Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants

Dexter Lawrence is one of the best, if not the best, defensive tackles in not only the NFC East division, but the league as well. Unfortunately for him, he plays on a team without much help around him and because of that doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves.

DT – Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles

It didn’t take Jalen Carter long to establish himself as one of the best DTs in the NFC East and quite possibly the entire league. He’ll need to avoid having a sophomore slump in 2024 to remain a top DT in the division, but he’s more than capable of accomplishing that.

EDGE – Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

An argument could be made Micah Parsons is the best EDGE player in the entire league, however, the same can be said for Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt as well. One thing is for sure though, he is absolutely the best at his position in the NFC East.

EDGE – DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys

Lawrence is the best all-around EDGE player in the NFC East and right there among the best around the league. His lack of sacks is an argument by his detractors, but his ability to create disruption and shut down the run is elite. PFF ranked as the ninth-best EDGE in the league for 2023.

LB – Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders

Bobby Wagner may be 34 years old and not quite the player he once was earlier in his career, but he is still one of the better linebackers in the entire league. 2024 will be his first year to play in the NFC East, but already he’s the best LB in the division.

LB – Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders

Like Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu is new to the NFC East this year after signing with the Commanders via free agency and could compete with us teammate for the top spot. With these two free agent additions, Washington now has the best LB duo in the entire division.

CB – Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys

Trevon Diggs may have missed the majority of the 2023 season and will need to rebound from his season-ending knee injury last year, but when healthy he’s still one of the best CBs in the entire league. Until someone unseats him, he’s still the best in the NFC East.

CB – DaRon Bland, Dallas Cowboys

DaRon Bland made history last season by breaking the pick-six record (6) and graded out as one of the better CBs in the league. He’ll need a repeat performance in 2024 to remain a top CB in the NFC East, because the Eagles/Giants have promising youth at the position.

CB (slot) – Jourdan Lewis, Dallas Cowboys

Jourdan Lewis is truly underappreciated for how well he’s played as the Cowboys nickel CB since being drafted by them in the third-round in 2017. The only other slot CB close to being as good as he is would be DaRon Bland, but he’s projected to play outside in 2024.

S – Malik Hooker, Dallas Cowboys

Malik Hooker was the best safety in the entire NFC East division last season and should pick up where he left off in 2024, even though he will be playing in Mike Zimmer’s new defensive scheme. There’s even a chance he could be even better in the new system.

S – C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles

C.J. Gardner-Johnson narrowly edged out Donovan Wilson (Cowboys) and his teammate Sydney Brown (Eagles) for the other top safety spot. He’ll be hard-pressed to hold on to the top spot once again in 2024, because Wilson and Brown will be nipping right at his heels.