Philadelphia Eagles: Jamie Newman considered one of best UDFAs

The Philadelphia Eagles snagged quarterback Jamie Newman as a UDFA and it was a fantastic move. Newman was named as one of Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports’ top undrafted free agents.

After a whirlwind of an offseason that saw the Philadelphia Eagles ship former No. 2 pick Carson Wentz to the Colts, it was a bit surprising that the team opted not to draft a quarterback. They have Jalen Hurts as their starter after he unseated Wentz last season but he started just four games last year. In other words, it was a small sample size for the former Crimson Tide and Sooner quarterback.

That’s why the decision to sign Jamie Newman, who went undrafted, was a fantastic move by the Eagles. Trapasso offered this analysis as to why he has him ranked as the No. 9 UDFA,

"The nearly 6-3, 234-pound quarterback was a weapon in the designed run game for the Demon Deacons two years ago, made a variety of impressive tight-window throws, and connected on plenty of downfield tosses made with perfect touch. He even had moments in which he showcased outstanding pocket presence and movement. Is he ready to rapidly read coverages? Not yet. But Newman brings plenty of uncoachable traits to the field, and Hurts isn’t the locked-in, long-time starter at his point."

Newman originally played at Wake Forest before transferring to Georgia. He never played a snap at Georgia, opting out due to COVID-19 and then entering the 2021 NFL Draft despite not having played since the 2019 season.

Newman threw for 2,868 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions for Wake Forest in 2019 while also adding 574 yards and six touchdowns with his legs. That running ability is likely what drew the Eagles to him, as he has a similar playing style as Hurts. Both are good passers and even better runners.

Hurts is the QB1 heading into the season barring something unusual but Newman is going to challenge him this year. The boo birds come out quickly in Philadelphia and if Hurts struggles, the calls for Newman to be thrust into action will come. Hopefully, the Eagles go with Joe Flacco in between, as Newman is nowhere near ready to be a starter just yet.

As a third-stringer and practice squad player, however, Newman offers a nice project quarterback for the Eagles. It was a bit surprising that he went undrafted given the hype surrounding him when he transferred to Georgia but the Eagles are happy to have him and who knows? Maybe he’ll be able to play some kind of role for this offense.