Philadelphia Eagles reportedly sign UDFA Charles Walker

Charles Walker is coming to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 2017 NFL Draft may be in the rear-view, but the Philadelphia Eagles aren’t done adding young talent to the roster.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Eagles signed Oklahoma defensive tackle Charles Walker as an undrafted free agent Monday.

It’s a bit surprising that Walker wasn’t selected in the draft. Walker, 6’2″, 310 pounds, is a big, powerful disruptor on the defensive line who plays well against both the run and the pass. According to Pro Football Focus, Walker batted four passes on just 87 pass-rush attempts last season (even though he only played in four games in 2016).

Speaking of his 2016 season, that’s kind of why Walker ended up going undrafted. Early in the year, Walker suffered his third concussion. As opposed to rejoining the team, he chose to sit out the rest of the season and begin preparing for the draft. That rubbed a lot of people the wrong way and caused some to question Walker’s football character.

Just before the draft, Ian Rapoport reported that Walker had been dealing with depression, which he claims he had been living with for years. According to Rapoport, the discovery only made Walker more excited to get on the football field.

"In his letter, Walker told teams he is not a quitter, has never been in trouble, and will never be a distraction. But mostly, he wanted to inform teams of his recent discovery: “I am ready, committed and hungry.”"

Talent-wise, there isn’t much not to like about Walker. He had a breakout season as a redshirt sophomore in 2015, registering 36 total tackles, six sacks and 10 tackles for loss as well as a forced fumble. If that kind of production can be replicated in training camp, the Eagles could have yet another UDFA with the potential to earn a roster spot.

Here is a scouting report on Walker, courtesy of NFL.com.

"STRENGTHS: Disruptive and productive as a sophomore in 2015. Can be tough to handle when motor is cranked and he’s working the gaps. Comes off the snap with good get-off. Able to rip through a blocker’s edge with good violence once the door opens up just a little bit. Has upper body power to set a strong edge. Plays with unusual agility and athleticism once he’s into the backfield. Able to redirect his weight for sudden change of direction. Plays on his feet. Shows ability and play speed to chase down running backs and quarterbacks headed for the perimeter. Operates with a big closing burst and an extended playmaking radius. Hands show power and potential in both run and pass. Works his hands and feet in unison as interior rusher.WEAKNESSES: Has had concussions in each of last two seasons. His football character called into question by coaching staff after he failed to come back from October 1 concussion and left team with two regular season games remaining to prepare for NFL draft. Effort level and motor fluctuates. Was a relative non-factor in all four of the games he played. High cut and struggles to maintain his ground against double teams. Lacked urgency as a pass rusher that he showed in 2015. Needs to add a rush counter when initial charge is foiled. Will lay on blocks at times. Needs quicker shed with tackle-ready posture."