Some UDFA Talk

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Some UDFA Talk

Posted: April 30th, 2023 | Author: Tommy Lawlor

The Eagles won’t officially release the list of UDFA additions for a day or two. We’ll talk about a few of the big names they have reportedly signed.

LB Ben VanSumeren – Michigan State – 6-2, 231

Interesting player. Had an incredible showing at his Pro Day.

So how does a guy with solid size and special athletic ability go undrafted?

Went to Michigan as a RB/FB. After two years, moved to LB. Then he transferred to MSU in 2021. He was a backup LB and STer. Finally became a starting LB in 2022. Started 10 games and played well. Finished third on the team with 81 tackles. Limited playmaker, though. Had 3 TFLs, 2 sacks and 2 PDs. No FF or INTs.

Put on the tape and you see VanSumeren’s athleticism. He can fly from sideline to sideline. He has excellent agility and movement skills. The problem is that he’s not a natural LB. He’s still learning to diagnose plays and read offenses. He doesn’t finish plays as well as you’d like. He closes to the ball in a hurry, but is a sloppy tackler.

We hear Howie Roseman talk about finding players with "tools in their body”. That is absolutely VanSumeren. He’s got the raw ability to be a starting LB in the NFL. He needs work, though. I think he’s got a legit chance to win a roster spot because of his potential, but I don’t think he’d be ready to play this year. Maybe good coaching will make a huge difference and I’ll be shocked in the preseason, but I see a guy who will likely need time to develop.

WR Joseph Ngata – Clemson – 6-3, 217

Finished his career 88-1287-6. Best season was 2022 when he caught 41 passes. The Clemson offense struggled with throwing the ball in the past two seasons so that didn’t help matters. The Eagles reportedly gave Ngata big money to sign so this is a player they really wanted to get. He has good ability. Ran 4.54 and jumped 34.5 inches so that’s a good start for a WR. He doesn’t have good agility. Ngata is big and strong and plays that way. Can work the middle. Able to extend and pluck the ball. Will make some tough catches.

I thought the Eagles would prefer a big receiver so adding Ngata makes sense. Can learn a lot by watching AJ Brown. Both are big, physical receivers. Ngata has legit ability. The question is whether he can consistently get open in the NFL. Ngata will block and knows how to use his size. Those traits give him a chance to win a spot in the NFL.

WR Jadon Haselwood – Arkansas – 6-2, 215

Elite recruit coming out of HS, number four overall (Nolan Smith was one of the guys ahead of him). Went to Oklahoma, where he played with some QB named Jalen Hurts in 2019. Best year was 2021 when he went 39-399-6. Transferred to Arkansas and had a terrific season, going 59-702-3. Playing in a tough, physical offense seemed to bring out the best in him. Ran 4.66 at the Combine and then improved that to 4.55 at his Pro Day. Solid athlete overall.

At his best in the slot. The Eagles use AJ Brown in there as a "big slot”. Haselwood doesn’t have anywhere close to his ability, but would be similar in terms of style. Has good RAC ability. Scrappy player who will block. Might remind you of Zach Pascal.

Haselwood will compete. He’ll play on STs. He’s never going to be a star receiver, but this is the kind of UDFA you want. He’ll come in and battle for a spot.

OL Trevor Reid – Louisville – 6-4, 311

2-year starter at LT for the Cardinals. Good athlete and put on a show at his Pro Day: 38-inch vertical, 10-4 broad jump, 4.90 40-yard dash, 25 reps. Went undrafted because he is a project. Has a lean build. Will likely need to add some bulk in the NFL. Quick off the ball, but plays out of control. Poor balance. Gets out over his feet way too much. Jeff Stoutland has his work cut out for him.

Reid has the athleticism you want in an NFL OL. He just doesn’t have any polished skills. He’s light on his feet, but doesn’t have good footwork. Stoutland has to get him to slow down, play under control and use good technique. Reid is the kind of guy you want on the practice squad.

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