With the draft having already been and gone, we’re one step closer to Football season. For Chip Kelly, this is the perfect time to continue on his never ending journey to find talent where others may not look and to break the internet one signing at a time. Kelly signed fifteen players following the draft, fifteen undrafted College stars who are looking to make an impact..some of them, may well be the total underdog who’s destined for glory, others will fill the depth chart and a few..I’m sure even Chip is still scratching his head over!
Rasheed Bailey, WR – Delaware Valley University, 6″2, 205 pounds, Signing rating B+
Having grown up in the city of brotherly love, Bailey joins Agholor and Matthews to strengthen the receiver core. His Delaware Valley University career ended spectacularly. He became the school’s all-time leader in receiving yards (3,138), second in receiving touchdowns (29) and third in receptions (165). Last season the rapid receiver set single-season school records with 80 catches, 1,707 yards and 19 TDs whilst topping Division III in those same statistics. On paper, Rasheed is a reliable option as a wide out and may well add some confidence and other options for Quarterback Sam Bradford.
Brett Boyko, G – UNLV, 6″7, 301 pounds, Signing rating C
Boyko started 43 games at UNLV following his transition from Quarterback. He’s a four-time Academic All-Mountain West honoree and is built perfectly for his position. His versatility echoes in the way he has played in QB, Defensive Lineman and now a guard. Kelly seems to like rotating players to what best suits their attributes, Boyko may feature regularly come the end of the season.
Malcom Bunche, G – UCLA, 6″6, 320 pounds, Singing rating C+
Bunche spent four years at the University of Miami, but ended his college career with the Bruins, starting nine games at both left tackle and guard at UCLE. At 6″6, he’s the perfect size for a guard and surprisingly quick. It’s obvious that Kelly is trying to add some depth to the O-Line. You can hardly blame him, it was an area that needed addressing urgently but was lost in the first round hype. Kelly by the looks of things is now looking for some depth and competition as the team go into mini camp.
Mike Coccia, C – New Hampshire, 6″3, 302 pounds, Signing rating- B-
A Pennsylvania native, Coccia earned FBS All-America honors from the Associated Press for his senior season. Over the duration of his four year career, he started 40 games at center and is beyond experienced in the position. He has already taken to social media to express his gratitude calling it a “dream come true”. With the Pennsylvania passion, he may be competing for some starts this season.
Devante Davis, WR – UNLV, 6″3, 215 Pounds, Signing rating B-
Davis enters his pro career with the second most receiving yards (2,785) and fourth most catches (186) in UNLV history..not bad right? Not only that but He attended the Senior Bowl, becoming UNLV’s first player since 2007 to be asked and first to physically appear in the game since Ickey Woods in 1987. Imagine a Michael Vick of Virginia Tech of Scenario, Davis is their golden boy. He’s elusive, unpredictable and has a great centre of gravity when jumping for a catch. Expect him to start on the inside or lineup alongside Matthews in certain slant plays.
Jordan Dewalt-Ondijo, LB – Duke, 6″4, 240 Pounds, Signing rating C+
Dewalt-Ondijo finished his college career with 90 tackles and 14 1/2 tackles for loss. Picking up 10 sacks in 45 games, 22 of those being starts really embodies the physicality of this linebacker. He’s meaty and means business. With the Defense of the Eagles really struggling last season, they needed some competition for the big boys to maybe push them to that next level…Jordan may well prove to be a vital cog in the defensive wheel. Pre Season will be the place to watch out for Ondijo, some big statements from the linebacker could see him rocket up the depth chart if he makes the final squad.
Andrew Gleichert, TE – Michigan State, 6″5, 264 pounds, Signing rating- C
The first of three tight ends signed by Kelly, Gleichert played both tight end and full back at Michigan State. He appeared 33 games for the Spartans with eight catches for 69 yards and one TD. He’s not the most impressive Tight End out there without a shadow of a doubt, however with Celek or Ertz were to fall injured, you need someone of the same physical level to fill their boots. Gleichert is 6″5 and therefore able to catch extremely well in traffic, something that some certain Eagles players struggled with last year.
John Harris, WR – Texas, 6″2, 218 pounds, Signing rating- C
A recent explosion in form may have sent Harris to Philadelphia. Harris had his best collegian season in 2014, catching 68 passes for over 1000 yards, racking up seven touchdowns in the process. He finishes his college career with 10 scores in 36 games and an impressive yard total. Having dipped his toe into many sporting waters at high school, he has a great attribute set. Athletic, quick and an extremely high work rate set the 218 pounder apart from others in the position. A perfect set for the Kelly formula to work his magic surely..
Cole Manhart, G – Nebraska-Kearney, 6″4, 298 pounds, Signing rating- D
After Starting at left tackle for three years at Nebraska-Kearney, Manhart earned AFCA All-America honors in two of those three. He may not be as explosive as Boyko but Kelly has obviously seen something in him. Manhart simply HAD to move to guard to have any chance at being taken on by any NFL team and the Eagles took that plunge. He’s quick with his feet and been used as tight end in some short yard situations but whether he has the strength to perform at the top level of Football remains to be seen.
Raheem Mostert, RB – Purdue, 5″11, 190 pounds, Signing rating B+
Mostert brings a very unique skillset to the Linc. With Murray and Sproles obviously the starting backs, this was an interesting signing. Mostert leaves Purdue as the school’s all-time leader in kickoff return yardage. Somehow, the signing doesn’t seem that crazy now right? Just look at how many points the Special teams unit put up last season. He may be small but the running back had a 26.0-yard average over his 88 career returns with two resulting in TD’s. Hugely dangerous in track and field events and a blistering time in the dash times show his real qualities though. The man is LIGHTNING. His speed is unrelenting, you thought Shady was fast?! Mostert destroys backs once he gets into open space..and training with the Sproles train is only going to aid his development..expect big things.
Travis Raciti, DE – San Jose State, 6″5, 285 pounds, Signing rating- C
In college, Raciti played defensive tackle. He was one of just seven players in San Jose State history to be a team captain in multiple seasons (2013 and 2014). Extreme leadership qualities and 27 tackles for a loss see his defensive expertise shine through. But in high school he played fullback, tight end, MLB, DE and even more! He’s versatile so could fit anywhere under Chips leadership. He takes huge strides to gain ground, and his hands have improved drastically over the last two years or so. He is now ready for a war at almost any point showcasing a strong work ethic.
Denzel Rice, DB – Coastal Carolina, 6″, 185 pounds, Signing Rating- D
Rice finished his four-year career at Coastal Carolina at the 50 game mark, averaging over two tackles per game 1 whilst defending 24 passes and even making a pick. He led the Big South with 12 breakups as a junior in 2013, and has tried his hands at numerous positions. He may not be a huge part in the scheme of things to come but he does show some determination qualities that others could learn from
Kip Smith, P – Oklahoma State, 6″1, 235 pounds, Signing rating- C
After transferring to Oklahoma State in 2012 where he became the Beavers’ punter and kickoff specialist, he averaged 40 yards over his 160 punts and earned first team All American honors by numerous publications. Smith may well be used in rotation over this season, if you look at Parkey’s explosion in the kicker position this year, Smith may follow the same trend as a punter. Donnie Jones is entering season number eleven as a punter so his fatigue could be an issue. A strong leg is going to get Smith some game time for sure.
Eric Tomlinson, TE – Texas-El Paso, 6″6, 263 pounds, Signing rating D
One of the more interesting acquirements, Tomlinson has ties with Eagles second-round pick Eric Rowe following a partnership in High School. In college, Tomlinson caught 59 balls for 547 yards and four scores. His height once again sets him into a great position in terms of rotation. His junior year saw him finish second on the team with 30 catches that averaged over ten yards per carry. He is a fairly limited player though and despite showing more room on his frame, he will need to showcase his ability to adapt if he has any chance of surviving in Philly let alone the league.
Justin Tukes, TE – UCF, 6-5, 250 pounds, Signing rating- C
Tukes played 44 games at Central Florida where he caught 30 balls for 286 yards, scoring three touchdowns. UCF named him its Most Dependable Offensive Player at their awards banquet last season and started 12 out of the 13 games he started. He’s proud of being a vocal leader of his football team and is a true blocking tight end. A solid run blocking player who is the definition of hard hat. With the Eagles now having plenty of TE’s who can go the distance in terms of scoring, it’s Tukes who could be the guy on the inside, aiding the Quarterback. He has the potential to really develop into a top player.
