With the preparations for the 2016 season well underway, the Eagles announced today that they are hosting four players on a tryout basis.
#Eagles have 4 players in this week's mini-camp on a tryout basis: DT Ken Bishop, FB Michael Zordich, WR DaVaris Daniels and WR T.J. Graham
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 19, 2016
Here’s everything you need to know about the four players vying for a spot on the Eagles 90-man roster.
DT Ken Bishop
Bishop was drafted in the 7th round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Signed as a depth player whilst the team dealt with injuries, Bishop played in 3 games for the Cowboys before being waived and assigned to their practice squad. He went on to play in 2 games last season but was then released to make room for the previously suspended Greg Hardy. He ended his 5 games with 2 combined tackles.
A former player of Northern Illinois University, Bishop displayed a physical and dominant style of play amassing 70 tackles but seemed to struggle building up speed and bursting through the trenches, amassing only 3.5 sacks in 2 seasons. In the highlights below, he rarely gets pushed back and is able to keep the pressure oncoming as well as drop back into coverage with ease. The Eagles seemingly need depth behind their interior linemen and even if Bishop ends up being a camp body, the 6’0, 306 lbs DT could prove to be a valuable asset in sustaining blocks and opening holes for the linebackers to charge through.
FB Michael Zordich
Zordich was originally signed by the Panthers after going undrafted in 2013 but spent the season on the sidelines after tearing his ACL. He was waived by Carolina in August 2014 before being picked up by the Saints practice squad in November of that year.
Zordich played in 51 games for Penn State prior to going undrafted and the 6’1, 245 pounder demonstrated incredible versatility as both a blocker and a ball carrier as well as a receiver.
Interestingly, his father not only played for Penn State like his son, but played in the NFL for the Jets, Cardinals and who else but the Philadelphia Eagles. His career span from 1987 to 1998.
It’s clear at this point that the Eagles want to implement a Fullback in their Offense but with only one on the roster as it stands, some competition and depth at the position isn’t going to hurt at all.
WR DaVaris Daniels
After going undrafted in 2015, Daniels was signed by the Vikings to a Free Agent contract before the Patriots claimed him off of the Waivers. Daniels was waived just three days later.
A former Notre Dame receiver, Daniels played in 13 games during 2013, receiving for 745 yards and 7 touchdowns. In 2014 however, Daniels was suspended for academic issues and after investigations later in the year regarding the integrity of his papers, he sought a future away from Notre Dame and declared for the 2015 Draft.
Prior to the draft he ran a 4.53 40-yard dash and achieved a 39.5 inch vertical. It’s clear Daniels had all the tools needed to be a successful receiver at the college level, but does he have what it takes to break into what’s already a very competitive Eagles roster?
WR T.J. Graham
Perhaps the most familiar name on this list, Graham was drafted by the Bills back in 2012 and has since played for the Titans, Jets and the Saints. Over the course of his career, the journeyman receiver has recorded four touchdowns and 794 yards on 61 receptions. At 5’11, he’s a little undersized but possesses a lot of speed. The 26 year old would likely add more experience to the Eagles receiving corp and could help give the younger receivers that extra push.
