The Philadelphia Eagles have become renowned for their ability to turn undrafted/late-round players into gems over recent yeara. From Corey Clement’s Super Bowl heroics to Boston Scott owning the New York Giants, UDFA’s have played a key role in Philly’s rise to supremacy. It should come as little surprise that they’ve added some impressive names to their roster this year.
Eagles add 9 UDFA’s
CB Mekhi Garner
Standing at 6’2, Garner is a rangy corner who is aggressive at the catch point. He started 13 games for LSU last year and led the team in pass breakups. He’s a hard-hitter who loves contact and isn’t afraid to press at the line of scrimmage. However, his lack of overall burst and agility can lead to some PI calls and a grabby nature that can haunt him. He’s a fun prospect to keep an eye on.
WR Jadon Haselwood
Haselwood put up over 700 yards last year and is a well-rounded wideout. However, he won’t blow you away with speed, although scouts seem to praise his ‘effortless’ ability to maneuver a route with smooth hips. He lacks the overall athleticism an NFL wideout would expect to have, but it will be interesting to see what he can pick up from two of the best wideouts in the game in A.J Brown and DeVonta Smith.
WR Joseph Ngata
Another player from a big-name school, Ngata put together a 526-yard season in 2022 after struggling to stay healthy at Clemson. However, he’s 6’3, 220 lbs, ran a 4.54 40-yard dash, and has a 34-inch vertical. There are definitely some materials to work with for a receiver his size and if he can be coached into becoming a big-slot target, then he could have some great upside in this
OT Chim Okrafor
6’6, 320 lbs, small school sleeper? Enroll him in the Jeff Stoutland Academy and let’s see what happens.
OT Trevor Reid
At 6’5, 307 lbs, Reid comes from Louisville’s rush-heavy offense, which may be what turned Howie’s head. He reportedly only allowed 3 sacks and 2 QB hits in 314 pass-blocking snaps in 2022, per Matthew McGavic of Louisville report (and PFF). It will be interesting to see how all of the UDFA signees fare in Philadelphia, with names like Nate Herbig & Sua Opeta being recent examples of undrafted prospects who turn into serviceable backups.
CB Eli Ricks
Ricks was a name a lot of people wanted in Philadelphia upon hearing he fell through the cracks. He battled through injury during his time at LSU and transferred to Alabama where he put together a campaign worthy of 4th-5th round considerations. Unfortunately, no team took the plunge, although the Eagles were quick to snap him up post-draft.
At 6’2, 188 lbs, he does have the prototypical size needed to thrive at the NFL level and comes with great hip fluidity and aggression. It’s a crowded CB room he’s walking into, but there’s a lot of upside here for a CB who batted away five passes in 2022.
TE Brady Russell
Russell is an intriguing name. He struggled with injuries in 2022 and only put up 153 yards worth of offense. But when he can move like this, it’s easy to see why the Eagles were willing to take a flier.
LB Ben VanSumeren
Howie Roseman & Freak Athletes are a better match than most dream couples. BVS feels like he’d be a great special teams ace with some defensive upside. He amassed 81 tackles and 2 sacks last year, demonstrating his ability to blow up the run game with some reliable tackling. Van Sumeren could be the steal of the group.
P Ty Zentner
Actually, Zentner may be the steal of the draft. Our writer Chris Infante has already nicknamed him ‘Legatron’ and for good reason. He averaged 44.5 yards per punt and made all 11 field goal attempts in 2022. Siposs will have his work cut out for him here.
