Barrett Brooks responds to Dave Zangaro’s choice to be ranked number 23 on the list of the Eagles who will be key players in the coming campaign.
In the weeks preceding training camp, we will be enumerating the top 25 Eagles who will be crucial to the 2024 campaign.
25. Brandon Graham
24. Dean Nakobe
23. Milton Williams
Milton Williams is about to start his fourth year in a profession, which is difficult to comprehend.
The 25-year-old was selected in the third round of the 2021 selection, but he has kind of gone unnoticed since. The moment in the Eagles draft room when senior football advisor Tom Donahoe expressed dissatisfaction with the selection and preferred defensive tackle Alim McNeill—who was selected by the Lions—is arguably the reason Williams is still most well-known. In Detroit, McNeill has emerged as a mainstay.
Even if his output isn’t always high, Williams has been a fairly reliable player for the Eagles over the past three seasons. The Eagles will be depending more on Williams moving forward because he has been an essential member of the defensive line rotation and Fletcher Cox’s retirement this summer.
In actuality, he is the room’s most seasoned defensive tackle.
This spring, Clint Hurtt, the defensive line coach, observed, “It’s amazing.” Indeed, he recently turned 25 and is the most senior statesman in the room. Milton has been amazing. His meticulousness and work ethic. He is quite inquisitive; I really appreciate that. There is never a dumb question, I assure him again. Inquire about it. You’re still developing as you learn the game.
“I believe he has a very promising future ahead of him. Although he is occasionally ignored, he is unquestionably valued here.
Here is a recap of Williams’ first three NFL seasons:
2021: six TFLs, six QB hits, 17 games, two starts, 456 snaps, two sacks, and thirty tackles
2022: 6 QB hits, 9 TFLs, 4 sacks, 36 tackles, 395 snaps, and 17 games with no starts.
In 2023, 16 games, 10 starts, 494 snaps, 1/2 sack, 42 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 7 QB hits were recorded.
Missed tackles appeared to be Williams’s Achilles heel in 2023. He didn’t have a missed tackle in 2022, but PFF charged him with five last season.
However, Williams has been a reliable player for the Eagles overall, and they may wish to offer him an extension. since Williams’ contract is ending after this fourth and final year. Of course, if Williams is able to play well in 2024, his worth could continue to grow. Perhaps he aspires to go someplace where he can be taken for granted.
It seems logical that Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, two Georgia products, are receiving a lot of attention in Philadelphia at defensive tackle. Picks in the first round, that is. However, Williams is also an important piece of the puzzle, and the Eagles will require him in this season.