Philadelphia Eagles: Elijah Riley is an undrafted free agent worth watching
Fans of the Philadelphia Eagles should keep an eye on Elijah Riley
When it comes to training camp in the NFL, one of the most intriguing aspects is watching to see if any undrafted free agents can make the final roster, and ultimately contribute on the field. The Philadelphia Eagles have had pretty good success with undrafted free agents in their franchise’s history, especially in the Doug Pederson era. Corey Clement is a name that comes to mind, thanks to his Super Bowl performance, as do Boston Scott and Greg Ward, who helped save the 2019 season.
As for 2020, there are already some undrafted free agents who fans and media alike have been keeping their eagle-eyes on. Running backs Michael Warren out of the University of Cincinnati and Central Florida’s Adrian Killins are two players that have become sleeper picks to make the final roster, primarily due to the Eagles’ need at the position.
Elijah Riley is a defensive back out of Army that very well may become an offseason surprise. At 6 feet 205 pounds, Riley possesses good size for a defensive back.
Elijah Riley has a shot to make the Philadelphia Eagles roster as a safety
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A four-year starter for the Black Knights, Riley was quite productive in that span. In his four years, Riley racked up 201 tackles, 6.5 sacks, seven interceptions, three forced fumbles, and 28 pass breakups in 44 games. Riley’s senior year was really when his stat sheet really lit up.
As a senior and team captain at West Point, Riley notched 79 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and six pass breakups. Say what you will about the competition he played against, but those are impressive numbers.
For what it’s worth, that Army team last season was also one that took Michigan to overtime in the Big House, with Riley starring with 13 tackles (nine solos) two sacks and a fumble recovery. Most fans may not have heard of him until now, but this kid from the armed forces can certainly play.
While it’s easy to point out the crowded room at cornerback the Eagles currently feature as a potential roadblock to Riley making the team, he has experience at cornerback and safety. On both the official Eagles and Army athletic websites, he is simply listed as a defensive back.
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Perhaps Riley will be able to claim a roster spot as a safety. With the newly converted Jalen Mills and Rodney McLeod entrenched as the projected starters, and fourth-round pick K’Von Wallace and free agent signing Will Parks expected back them up, Riley would have to beat out the returning Rudy Ford and Marcus Epps as a rotational/primary special teams player. While Riley is certainly a longshot to make the Eagles final roster he is certainly a player worth watching leading into the season.