The Philadelphia Eagles put a fair amount of stock into UDFA linebacker, T.J. Edwards. Will that begin to pay off this offseason?
Somehow, some way, the Philadelphia Eagles always hit on an undrafted free agent during the offseason. That’s not to say that these undrafted prospects come to Philly and automatically become superstars. But the Eagles coaching staff has done an excellent job at developing these guys and finding a role for them during the regular season if necessary.
In 2016, the two undrafted standouts were wide receiver’s Bryce Treggs and Paul Turner. Granted, it was much easier to make the Eagles roster during that season, but the point still stands. In 2017, the situation was a little bit different. Corey Clement joined the Eagles by signing after the NFL Draft and was implemented into a crowded backfield.
Clement did enough during that offseason to prove he’s worth a roster spot for special teams. But after an injury hit Darren Sproles, keeping him out for the season, the Eagles mixed Clement into the rotation, and he thrived. Then there was last year — the addition of Josh Adams out of Notre Dame. He didn’t start all season but gained enough playing time to become the leading rusher for the Eagles during the 2018 season. So, who will be the undrafted standout in 2019?
According to Bleacher Report…
"“The Philadelphia Eagles may have landed one of the steals of undrafted free agency in the form of former Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Edwards. The 6’1″, 242-pounder possesses a physical mindset that should mesh perfectly with the Eagles defense.”“Stout four-year starter who shows up and does his job each week as a banger in the box with surprising ball skills to flip the field,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote of Edwards.”“Edwards’ high motor regularly got him involved for the Badgers. In 2018, he racked up 112 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. While he isn’t likely to produce those kinds of numbers as a rookie, he should slot in as a backup inside linebacker who can start in a pinch.”"
Recently, Bleacher Report listed each NFL teams’ most exciting undrafted free agent in 2019. For the Eagles, the selection was expected — Former Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Edwards. When the Eagles inked Edwards to a rookie deal, the linebacker corps looked a bit different. At that point, the battle would be between Paul Worrilow, L.J. Fort, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Nathan Gerry, Edwards, etc.
While the upside could be there, none of these guys are sure-fire starters at the end of the day. That’s what made the signing of Edwards so exciting at first since he could come in and compete right away. But then came one of the Eagles’ newest additions in Zach Brown.
Once Brown joined the roster, Edwards’ chances of making the Eagles became slimmer. Don’t rule him out for good, though. Keep in mind, guys like Fort and Brown are only here for one season. And Nathan Gerry has been around for a few years now as well, but he’s proven next to nothing. If Edwards has himself a solid summer in Philly, he could be stashed away for special teams or a more significant role later on down the line.