Dallas Cowboys: Ranking defensive lines in the NFC East

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 11: Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with his teammates after sacking Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 11: Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with his teammates after sacking Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 13: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons gets tackled by Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 13: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons gets tackled by Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Eagles (gold medal)

Derek Barnett, Destiny Vaeao, Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Michael Bennett, Tim Jernigan, Chris Long, Haloti Ngata

As I mentioned earlier, if we were to go strictly off of talent, the nod may have to go to the Cowboys.

Talent, however, is not enough. Not only do the Eagles have talent, they have production up and down the line.

Chris Long has two double-digit sack seasons, while Haloti Ngata is a five time Pro-Bowl defensive tackle. Neither will start in 2018. Michael Bennett, a three time Pro-Bowl selection likely will not either.

That’s depth.

In front of them is a defensive tackle in Cox who has made three straight Pro-Bowls, impressive soon-to-be sophomore pass rusher in Barnett and a constant headache for opposing offensive lines in Graham.

The Eagles defensive line is relentless, deep, talented and a huge reason for their success in 2017.

Next: The all-time best defenders to wear the Star

With just two units left to evaluate defensively, here is a look at the updated leaderboard:

Philadelphia Eagles – 14
Dallas Cowboys – 10
Washington Redskins – 7
New York Giants – 6

Check in next week to see if the Dallas Cowboys can bridge the gap.