Assessing the Eagles’ undrafted rookies ahead of 1st preseason game
The Philadelphia Eagles added 28 new players to the 90-man roster since the end of the 2022 season.
Which of the newcomers has the most significant impact on the training camp?
The Eagles made seven draft picks, signed nine undrafted free agents, and have returned to the NovaCare Complex with a deep and loaded roster.
With the preseason opener set for Saturday night, here are the Eagles’ biggest standouts among undrafted free agents.
#43 Mekhi Garner, CB
How acquired: Signed as an undrafted free agent
Pre-camp breakdown: Garner played at Navarro College for one season, then Louisiana for three seasons before transferring to LSU in 2022.
The 6-foot-2, 212-pound corner started every game in his lone season at LSU, leading the Tigers with eight pass breakups. He has elite size for a cornerback and could be a candidate for a switch to the STAR position or a more hybrid role.
Observation: Garner has shown himself to be a bigger hitter at the cornerback position through the first two weeks.
#86 Joseph Ngata, WR
How acquired: Signed as an undrafted free agent
Pre-camp breakdown: Ngata saw action in 45 games with 25 starts through his four-year tenure at Clemson. He compiled 1,287 receiving yards and six touchdowns during that span.
Standing 6’ 3’’. At 217 pounds, Ngata offers Philadelphia elite size and decent athleticism.
He won’t separate from opposing defenders, but Ngata is a smooth pass-catcher and a player to watch on Saturday night.
Eli Ricks, CB
How acquired: UDFA
Pre-camp Breakdown: A talented player with an All-American pedigree, Ricks started at LSU playing in 2020 and 2021 and transferred to Alabama for the 2022 season. Ricks played 25 games during his collegiate tenure, compiling 44 total tackles, five interceptions, and two touchdowns.
A star and high-profile prospect, Ricks offers a dazzling pedigree with inconsistent results. ‘
Through the first two weeks of camp, Ricks has improved and at worst he’ll make the Eagles practice squad.
Ty Zentner, Punter/Kicker,
How acquired: UDFA
Breakdown: The Kansas State punter/kicker didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school. Zentner spent time at Butler Community College before joining Kansas State University. He was a punter/kicker, making 11 field goals and recording a season-long 72-yard punt.
How he fits: Zentner will compete with Arryn Siposs for the Eagles’ punter spot, and through two weeks, the veteran has the edge.
TE, Brady Russell
Breakdown: The former Colorado TE Brady Russell is the nephew of Eagles senior personnel executive Matt Russell.
Russell played in 42 career games at Colorado, logging 67 career catches for 709 yards and three touchdowns.
Russell is 6-3, 250 pounds, and offers intriguing athleticism and size at a deep position group. He’s currently slated for the practice squad.
Jadon Haselwood
Haselwood is a former Georgia prep legend once compared to A.J. Green. Haselwood played at Oklahoma for three seasons until transferring to Arkansas following Head Coach Lincoln Riley’s departure to USC. During his time at Oklahoma and Arkansas, he compiled 1,438 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, the Georgia native led Arkansas with 59 receptions in 2022 and could be a potential fourth or fifth wide receiver for Brian Johnson’s explosive offense. Haselwood offers elite size and pedigree.
Ben VanSumeren
The athletic linebacker is a development prospect and his roster ambitions may have taken a hit after Philadelphia signed Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham.
