4 former Philadelphia Eagles this team could really use right now

Perhaps the Eagles gave up on Elijah Riley a tad too early?

Shortly after the 2020 NFL Draft wrapped, the Eagles kept grinding and added 13 undrafted free agents. Some of the highlights of that group included Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (who attempted to make the squad as a wide receiver), the speedster Adrian Killins, and a few defensive back prospects that some scouts respected so much they stated those guys could have been drafted during the selection meeting (Grayland Arnold and Michael Jacquet).

Other standouts were Michigan State defensive tackle Raequan Williams, Montana linebacker Dante Olson, and the Army man, Elijah Riley. The respect that this franchise and its coaches had for Riley has never been questioned.

He was waived during final roster cuts in September of last year but added to the practice squad three days later. The Eagles elevated him to the active roster for their Week 5 and Week 6 games versus the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens but reverted him to the scout team after each game. Finally, on December 16th of last year, Riley’s hard work paid off and he was promoted to the active roster to close the 2020-2021 regular season.

This past preseason, Riley was again waived during final cuts. He was re-signed to the practice squad a day later, but he wouldn’t stay there. The Jets signed him to their 53-man active roster on November 9th.

Heading into the 14th week of the 2021-2022 NFL regular season, Riley’s career resume includes 18 tackles and a sack in nine games (the sack came in his game versus Philadelphia). He has much to improve on, understandably so for a guy that wasn’t even drafted, but this is one of those guys that got away that the Eagles are probably going to regret losing later.