Philadelphia Eagles Player Profile: Seyi Ajirotutu

Up next in my Philadelphia Eagles Player Profile or “PEPP” series is wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu. In this series of post, I’ll discuss each and every single player on the Eagles’ current 90-man roster, in alphabetical order. For each player, I’ll discuss their career history, measurables, individual outlook for the Eagles in 2015 and their chance to make the final 53-man roster.

When head coach Chip Kelly decided to sign Ajirotutu, it was a move that many just brushed to the side, not thinking much of it. But Ajirotutu could offer some value as a fourth or fifth wide receiver and special team’s ace.

Career History

After going undrafted in 2010, Ajirotutu signed with the San Diego Chargers and actually got a bit of playing time due to a plethora of injuries to other players. Week 9 against the Houston Texans, Ajirotutu went off for 4 receptions, 111 yards and 2 touchdowns. But during final cuts the following season, Ajirotutu was let go and picked up by the Carolina Panthers. He spent one season with the Panthers and was then released during final cuts in 2012.

That led to him ultimately returning to the Chargers where he made a name for himself, not on offense, but as the team’s special team’s ace. Ajirotutu led the team in special teams tackles in both 2013 and 2014. Following the 2014 season, Ajirotutu was voted by his teammates as the Chargers’ Special Teams Player of the Year. Once Ajirotutu’s contract was up in San Diego, he signed a 1-year deal to join the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that obviously cherishes talented special team’s players.

Measurables

Seyi Ajirotutu’s measurables, according to Mockdraftable.com

Ajirotutu isn’t blowing anyone away with his times in speed drills but his size is impressive and he’s a huge wide receiver. Although he’s listed at 6-3, 215 pounds on the team’s official roster, yet he somehow looks even bigger. The Eagles are relatively small at wide receiver considering Josh Huff and Nelson Agholor are both 6-1 or smaller. But don’t let his 40-yard dash time fool you, Ajirotutu moves well for his size, just ask the Kansas City Chiefs about his speed on this game-winning touchdown:

Eagles’ Outlook for 2015

Ajirotutu was made to play for the Eagles under Kelly. He’s got the size they look for and is a willing special teams player, that’s all a team can ask for from a depth option at wide receiver. But Ajirotutu is an outstanding special teams player which was a major reason why he was signed by Kelly. The Eagles may value special teams more than any other team in the NFL and that showed with how many touchdowns their unit had last year.

Last offseason, the Eagles signed Chris Maragos and Bryan Braman, not because they were great players at their positions but because they were key players for their former teams on special teams. Ajirotutu is just another one of those players and will only make the Eagles’ special teams better. Casey Matthews, Brad Smith and James Casey were all important special teams players for the Eagles in 2014 and Ajirotutu will be an important piece to fill the voids left by those three.

But Ajirotutu isn’t just a special teams player, there’s a decent chance he’ll actually see some snaps at wide receiver as well. His size and toughness could be a welcome addition to the Eagles’ receiving group in a rotational role. Jeff Maehl and Brad Smith combined for 143 total snaps in 2014, so there’s certainly a chance that Ajirotutu will spend some time at wide receiver during the upcoming season.

Chip Kelly’s #Culture Grade: 👍👍

Two thumbs up, of course. Ajirotutu is a team-first player that is willing to be primarily a special team’s player and was hand picked as a free agent by Kelly. Although I’m sure his close friend and teammate, running back Ryan Mathews, had a bit to say to Kelly that inevitably brought Ajirotutu to the City of Brotherly Love. Speaking of brothers…

Chance of Making Eagles Final 53-Man Roster: 90%

Right now, it appears that Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff, Nelson Agholor, Riley Cooper and Miles Austin will all make the team’s final roster. Ajirotutu will battle it out with Maehl and others but will likely win the spot due to his ability on special teams and size as a receiver as well. He’ll likely play a similar role to what Smith did while in Philadelphia, besides the whole wildcat quarterback nonsense.

Next: Philadelphia Eagles Player Profile: Nelson Agholor

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