Which Eagles undrafted rookies have the best chance to make the team?

The Wisconsin Badgers have been kind to the Philadelphia Eagles, haven’t they? From the moment former Philadelphia Eagles undrafted rookies Corey Clement and T.J. Edwards stepped onto the practice field. It was obvious the Birds had something.

Clement worked his way onto the 53-man roster ahead of Philly’s first game, scored his first career touchdown in their third, and shone the brightest on football’s biggest stage in Super Bowl LII. Edwards made the initial 53-man roster, worked his way up to s starter, and last season, he led the Eagles in tackles. The questions today are about whether or not Philadelphia might have a ‘Corey Clement’ or a T.J. Edwards in this bunch.

It’s always fun when jewels are found in the UDFA class. Last season, three rookie free agents earned spots on the Eagles’ 53-man roster (Reed Blankenship, Josh Jobe, and Josh Sills). Might we see something in that area this time around? It’s a tough ask, but let’s see if we can locate a few.

Here are a few of the Eagles’ undrafted rookies who have very decent shots at surprising everyone by landing on the 53-man roster.

The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced the signing of nine UDFAs ahead of their rookie minicamp. All are talented. Here are a few we’re keeping an eye on.

Eli Ricks, cornerback, Alabama Crimson Tide

The cornerback battle may be the Eagles’ most intriguing. Not only are there ten guys on the current roster at the position. Three of them appear to be locked in. Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Avonte Maddox figure to have their spots assured.

That means highly-touted rookie Eli Ricks is battling for maybe one of three spots with Zech McPhearson, Greedy Williams, Josiah Scott, Josh Jobe, Mario Goodrich, and fellow UDFA Mekhi Garner. Keep an eye out for Tristin McCollum. He’s listed as a defensive back and figures to be in this mix as well. Making the roster won’t be an easy task for Ricks, but it isn’t an impossible one either.

Ty Zentner, punter, Kansas State Wildcats

Ty Zentner a.k.a. Legatron might be the one UDFA with the best shot at making the Eagles’ roster. Philly currently has two punters signed. The incumbent is Arryn Siposs, and when we begin discussing ‘hot seats’, Arryn has to feel like the one he’s sitting on is on fire.

This young man excels not only as a punter. He can kick field goals, extra-point attempts, and kickoffs. Hey, they don’t call him Legatron for no reason.

In his final season at the NCAA level, he was a perfect 3 for 31 on extra points, and he made all 11 of his field goal attempts. He isn’t just a great punter. He’s insurance just in case Jake Elliott is injured, and that’s something Siposs can’t say.

Jadon Haselwood (Arkansas), Joseph Ngata (Clemson), wide receivers

Jadon Haselwood received what might be the most flattering compliment a wideout leaving the prep level can earn, a five-star rating and A.J. Brown comparisons.

Clemson produces NFL wide receivers as well if not better than any school in the country. Joseph Ngata, a six-foot-three, 217-pound  monster that runs the 40-yard dash in 4.54 seconds, is yet another stud off of the assembly line. Both were signed as priority undrafted rookie free agents following the most recent draft.

Haselwood is a big possession receiver who lacks the burst or speed to uncover and get open. He’d be a liability in man coverage. He also has next to no special teams experience. On the other hand, Ngata has the speed, but beating press-man coverage and uncovering versus elite cover guys will be his Achilles heel.

Both have a shot to make the team though because we expect the Eagles to keep six wideouts on the 53-man roster. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Quez Watkins will make the roster. That means the new guys are in a battle with Greg Ward, Britain Covey, Tyrie Cleveland, and Devon Allen for what might be two roster spots.

Update: May 16th

Following the release of this story, the Eagles announced the signing of Charleston Rambo. Add his name to the list of young wideouts looking to find roles on this roster. He was previously a teammate of Jalen Hurts at Oklahoma and most recently spent time in the XFL.