Young NFL hopefuls reportedly earn invites to Eagles rookie minicamp

Imagine being hopeful that your dreams were about to be realized. Then imagine having to sit and watch seven rounds of an NFL Draft pass during a three-day span without ever hearing your name called. Imagine sitting by the phone while hoping it would ring so your agent can inform you that you have been signed as an undrafted rookie-free agent. Then imagine that doesn’t happen either. One would have to assume that’s deflating, but for four young men, the Philadelphia Eagles have given them another opportunity.

Rookie minicamps approach. In addition to the seven men who were drafted and the nine undrafted rookie free-agent additions that we’re aware of, the Birds have also reportedly invited a few other young men to allow them the opportunity to enjoy a tryout.

Who are they? What do we know? We’re glad you have asked. Here’s a rundown.

Note: It’s important to mention that signing reports all are subject to change as, even though they have been announced by reliable sources, the Eagles have yet to confirm any of them.

Here’s a look at a handful of young prospects that have reportedly been invited to Eagles rookie minicamp.

Okay, ladies and gents, here’s your list. Making the initial 53-man roster or the practice squad will be a tough uphill climb, but we wish all of these young men luck.

T.J. Cole, running back, Ouachita Baptist

KPRC’s Aaron Wilson reports Ouachita Baptist Tigers running back T.J. Cole has been invited to both Eagles and Minnesota Vikings minicamp. He’s a six-foot, 185-pound tailback and a native of Texarkana, Texas.

Toa Taua, running back, Nevada

Standing at five-foot-nine and weighing in at 210 pounds, former Nevada tailback Toa Taua is an intriguing prospect. He appeared in 59 games at the collegiate level. He was productive (3,997 yards rushing, 1,192 yards receiving, and 37 total touchdowns), but 855 carries is a lot. Don’t tell him that. He wouldn’t miss this opportunity for anything.

Dashaun White, linebacker, Oklahoma

Dashaun White is a six-foot, 225-pound linebacker that collected 248 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two interceptions during 54 games at the collegiate level that spanned five NCAA football seasons.

He’s also a former teammate of Jalen Hurts, Grant Calcaterra, and undrafted rookie free-agent addition Jadon Haselwood as all were on the Sooners football team in 2019

Jasir Cox, safety, West Virginia

The Eagles watch a lot of West Virginia Mountaineers football. The additions of running back Wendell Smallwood, wide receiver Shelton Gibson, and cornerback Rasul Douglas have probably taught you that over recent years. Douglas has proven to be the best of that bunch, but they may find out that Jasir Cox is a diamond as well.

Jot his name down if you haven’t. He too is invited to Eagles camp. He racked up 66 tackles including six for a loss of yardage and broke up three passes during 12 games last season.

Sammis Reyes, veteran tight end

Sammis Reyes, though not a rookie, has also been invited to Eagles rookie minicamp. He owns the distinction of being the first player from Chile to play in the NFL. After going undrafted in 2019, he spent stints with the Washington Football Team in 2021 and with the Chicago Bears last season.

He has appeared in 11 games during his young career.

Xavier Bell, defensive back, Portland State

Xavier Bell plays with his hair on fire. He’s a six-foot-two, 200-pound Long Beach, California native. He started all 11 games at safety for Portland State in 2022. That was the second year in a row that he had done so.

He led the team with 56 tackles including six tackles that resulted in a loss. He also racked a sack, an interception, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. That led to a Third-Team All-Big Sky Conference nod at season’s end.

The Eagles are allowed to hold one three-day post-draft rookie minicamp from Friday, May 5th through Sunday, May 8th, or they can elect to do so from Saturday, May 12th through Monday, Rookie Football Development Programs begin on May 15th. We’ll keep you posted as more news is announced.