Inside the Iggles
FanSided

Top 10 best undrafted free agent signings by the Eagles

By Jackie Quattro

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 06: Running Back Corey Clement #30 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the game against the New York Jets at Lincoln Financial Field on October 06, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 06: Running Back Corey Clement #30 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the game against the New York Jets at Lincoln Financial Field on October 06, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Hollis Thomas (Photo by Kirby Lee/NFLPhotoLibrary) /

. Hollis Thomas. 5. player. 54. .

1996 undrafted rookie Hollis Thomas was a phenomenal run-stopper and a fixture on some good Eagles teams.

Following the 1996 NFL Draft, Philadelphia was still looking to beef up its depth chart at the defensive tackle position. They took their swing with Hollis Thomas out of Northern Illinois and found out they had something special (and one of the more intriguing characters of the last quarter century).

During his rookie season in 2023, he recorded 42 tackles and one sack in 16 games. After that, he earned a starting spot at defensive tackle and proceeded to make the lives of opposing offensive linemen a nightmare for the next eight seasons. No one wanted to see the number 78 jersey across from them.

Thomas’ large frame helped him grab a few sacks early, but as his career went on, he ate up blocks and created opportunities for teammates. He was an outstanding threat versus the run. For his career, he earned 384 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and six fumble recoveries. Two of those fumbles were returned for a touchdown. Hollis owns the title of starting the second most games by an undrafted free agent in franchise history (95). Only Andre Waters has more.

Speaking of ‘Dirty Waters’…

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