The Secret Weapon in Philly: Moro Ojomo Shines as the Eagles’ Underrated Star in a Season of Defensive Power Plays

When the Philadelphia Eagles drafted Moro Ojomo in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, not many outside the front office expected him to become a name worth remembering. But in true Philadelphia fashion — where underdogs often rise to stardom — Ojomo has transformed from a late-round pick into one of the most quietly dominant forces in the league.

As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, Ojomo has emerged not just as a reliable rotational player but as a genuine difference-maker on a defense stacked with talent. In a roster featuring big names like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Haason Reddick, it’s Ojomo who has become one of Vic Fangio’s most productive and disruptive players.

From Hidden Gem to Heavy Hitter

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 292 pounds, Ojomo has always possessed the physical tools. What separates him now is his understanding of Fangio’s complex defensive system. His 2025 campaign reads like a breakout script — four sacks, 28 total pressures, and an uncanny ability to win one-on-one matchups against seasoned offensive linemen.

For context, Ojomo has generated nearly the same number of pressures as first-rounder Jalen Carter through Week 9, despite playing fewer snaps. That efficiency has drawn attention from analysts and coaches alike. Fangio himself praised Ojomo’s versatility in a recent press conference, noting that the young lineman “plays with rare leverage, speed, and maturity — he’s a technician in the trenches.”

While Carter and Davis dominate headlines for their sheer athleticism and strength, Ojomo’s craftiness and motor have made him indispensable in Fangio’s rotations. Whether lining up as a three-technique defensive tackle or sliding outside on 18% of his snaps, he consistently creates disruption from multiple angles.

Mastering the Fangio System

Vic Fangio’s defensive philosophy is built around adaptability, discipline, and deception. It’s a system that demands intelligence and precise execution — traits that Ojomo has embraced wholeheartedly.

Fangio’s fronts often shift pre-snap, disguising coverage and manipulating offensive protection schemes. Ojomo thrives in this chaos. His quick get-off and awareness allow him to exploit small cracks in blocking assignments. It’s no coincidence that many of his pressures come on plays designed to confuse opposing quarterbacks about where the rush will come from.

More than that, Ojomo’s ability to maintain gap integrity has helped stabilize the run defense. In previous seasons, the Eagles’ interior line sometimes struggled with consistency when starters rotated out. This year, thanks to Ojomo’s growth, there’s little to no drop-off when the backups hit the field.

“He’s the kind of player you win championships with,” one defensive teammate said anonymously. “He doesn’t need the spotlight. He just does his job — and usually, he does it better than anyone else on the field.”

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Stats only tell part of the story, but in Ojomo’s case, they underscore just how impactful he’s become. Through nine games, he has logged:

• 4.0 sacks — leading all Eagles interior defensive linemen.
• 28 total pressures — tied for most on the team with rookie edge rusher Jalyx Hunt.
• 33 quarterback hurries — fifth-best mark on the entire roster.
• 18% of snaps played outside — demonstrating his ability to line up across multiple positions.

His pass-rush win rate ranks among the top 10 for interior defenders in the NFC, ahead of several Pro Bowl-caliber players. For a seventh-round pick who began his career buried on the depth chart, that’s an incredible leap.

It’s no surprise, then, that NFL analysts have started to call Ojomo one of the most underrated defenders in the league. He’s been featured in multiple “Top Hidden Gems” lists across major outlets, with some scouts suggesting he could soon play his way into a starting role or an early contract extension.

The Quiet Engine of the Eagles Defense

While the headlines often focus on big plays from stars like Carter or Reddick, Ojomo’s consistency has been equally vital to Philadelphia’s success. His ability to generate interior pressure has forced quarterbacks off their spots, allowing the edge rushers to capitalize.

Quarterbacks facing the Eagles this season have an average time-to-throw of just 2.45 seconds — one of the lowest in the league. That quick release isn’t just due to the edges collapsing the pocket; it’s often Ojomo pushing the middle and shrinking the quarterback’s comfort zone.

Defensive captain Jordan Davis described Ojomo’s impact perfectly: “He’s the guy who makes everyone else’s job easier. You look at film, and he’s always near the ball. He might not always get the sack, but he’s the reason the sack happens.”

The Road From Texas to Philadelphia

Ojomo’s journey is one defined by patience and persistence. Born in Nigeria and raised in Texas, he played college football at the University of Texas, where he was known for his intelligence and leadership as much as his athletic ability. Coaches praised his work ethic and maturity, traits that clearly followed him into the NFL.

When the Eagles selected him with the 249th overall pick in 2022, expectations were minimal. But Ojomo’s growth over three seasons has mirrored the Eagles’ broader organizational philosophy: find value, develop it, and turn it into production.

His progression also speaks to the Eagles’ depth-building strategy. General manager Howie Roseman has repeatedly emphasized the importance of drafting developmental players who can eventually take on meaningful roles. In 2025, Ojomo is living proof that strategy works.

Looking Ahead: The Future Is Bright

As the Eagles push toward another playoff run, Ojomo’s presence on the defensive line will be critical. His ability to disrupt the pocket gives Philadelphia’s defense flexibility against both traditional pocket passers and mobile quarterbacks.

There’s also growing talk among fans and analysts that Ojomo could become the team’s next breakout star — the kind of player who quietly builds Pro Bowl credentials before anyone realizes it. With Fangio’s system maximizing his strengths and veterans like Fletcher Cox mentoring him in technique and mindset, the sky’s the limit.

More importantly, Ojomo embodies what Philadelphia football is all about: hard work, humility, and relentless effort. He’s not flashy. He’s not loud. But every Sunday, he makes his presence felt.

Conclusion

In a league where superstars often dominate headlines, Moro Ojomo is redefining what it means to shine quietly. His combination of strength, intelligence, and adaptability has made him a cornerstone of the Eagles’ defense — even if few outside Philadelphia have noticed just yet.

For now, Ojomo remains the Eagles’ best-kept secret. But if his 2025 performance is any indication, that secret won’t last much longer. As one fan recently put it on social media:

“Moro Ojomo isn’t just underrated — he’s the reason Philly’s defense is scary again.”