The phones at the NovaCare Complex rang Thursday. Finally, someone was there to answer on the other end.When the conversations had ended, the team had signed free agent defensive end Jason Babin and completed a trade sending backup quarterback Kevin Kolb to Arizona for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round draft pick in 2012.The Eagles confirmed the Kolb trade around 5 p.m. Thursday with a press release. However, they can’t comment on free agent signings until Friday. Neither move was earth shattering. In fact, both were expected. While the impact won’t be seen until they take the field this weekend, it’s never too early to take a look at what kind of boost they could give a defense that struggled mightily last season.New to nestJason BabinAge: 31Honors: Selected to 2010 Pro Bowl, 27th pick in 2004How he fits in: Projected to start at LDE, opposite RDE Trent ColeStats: Recorded 12.5 sacks in 2010 (30 in 7 seasons)Dominique Rodgers-CromartieAge: 25Honors: Selected to 2009 Pro Bowl, 16th pick in 2008How he fits in: Projected to start at RCB, opposite LCB Asante SamuelStats: Had three picks in 2010 (13 in 3 seasons)Defense restsThe Eagles will have a new-look defense in 2011, including at least sixnew starters. The Eagles were ranked 12th in overall defense lastseason. Here’s our projected starters:Left defensive endJason Babin: Out to prove 12.5 sacks was no fluke. Hopefully, he’s more than just a rotational player.Left defensive tackleMike Patterson: Production was down in ’10. Still an imposing presence and run-stuffer in the middle.Right defensive tackleAntonio Dixon: Sky-rocketed up the depth chart after starting 10 games in ’10. Organization is very high on the 322-pounder.Right defensive endTrent Cole: One of the most underrated ends in the NFL. Hisreaction to the Babin signing came via Twitter: “The hunting partybegins in Philadelphia.”Weakside linebackerCasey Matthews: He’ll get a shot, but he’s not his brother. Eagles still may pursue a veteran here.Middle linebackerJamar Chaney: It’s his job to lose, and he knows it. Chaney reported to camp in tip-top physical shape.Strongside linebackerMoise Fokou: His name tops the depth chart, but he’s not long-term solution.Left cornerbackAsante Samuel: Tackling issues remain, but he’s legit playmaker. He was only thrown at 36 times in ’10.Right cornerbackDominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Similar to Samuel. Ranks fourth among NFL corners with 16 picks in 49 starts since 2008.Strong safetyKurt Coleman: Showed promise while filling in at free safety in ’10. Said he learned a lot about SS position from Quintin Mikell.Free safetyNate Allen: Coming back from ruptured patellar tendon. Says he should be ready for Week 1.
