There are a lot of new faces coming into the Philadelphia Eagles before the 2026 season, but one name seems to be standing out from the rest.
After not being selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson has caught a lot of attention as a potential sleeper to make the team. Sports Illustrated's Mike Kadlick named Lawson on his list as one of the 11 undrafted free agents who have the best chance to make their team's roster.
"Despite tallying 80 tackles, two forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks in 2025 on his way to earning second-team All-SEC honors, Deontae Lawson went undrafted last month before signing with the Eagles. The 6' 3", 226-pound linebacker will now compete alongside former Alabama teammate Jihaad Campbell, Zack Baun, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. among others in Philadelphia’s inside linebacker room."
Will Deontae Lawson make the Eagles' 53-man roster?
With Nakobe Dean no longer in Philly, the Eagles' insider linebacker room is in an interesting period. Baun and Campbell should be the starters, but the depth of the rest could give the team one or two more to help out.
Trotter should be a lock to make the roster as he is a special teams ace for the Eagles and should see more playing time on defense after performing well in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders last year. 2025 fifth-round pick Smael Mondon Jr. is the one that Lawson might have to compete with, as Mondon didn't get much playing time at all last season in his rookie campaign.
The Eagles could be playing Trotter on special teams less, depending on what his rotation at linebacker looks like, but it leaves the door open for Lawson to step up and take that spot. Lawson is a great tackler and has good instincts after playing at a high level in the SEC.
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It's going to be an interesting training camp position battle going on between Lawson and Mondon for what could be the final 53-man roster spot, but don't count out the guy no team drafted, as he's going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder.
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