“Yes, we would love more picks,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said after Day 2 of this year’s NFL Draft, knowing he would let this article violate the rule of never beginning with a quote. “But I told Coach (Nick Sirianni) and went and saw the scouts in the draft room, and I said, ‘We have the best undrafted free agency in the history of undrafted free agency. And lucky for us, there’s like 700 more players in this draft.’
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“We think we are going to get guys after the draft that are going to be on our front board, and those are going to be extra picks, and we are hopeful some of the guys we would have considered in the sixth and seventh round, we get there.”
Last year, the Eagles handed out their largest guaranteed salary among their crop of undrafted free agents to tight end Jack Stoll, who spent his entire rookie season on the 53-man roster. Stoll, on the back end of what was a 10-player draft class, was guaranteed $122,500 upon signing.
This year, with only five players in their draft class, the Eagles backed up Roseman’s proclamation with Jeffrey Lurie’s wallet. At least four undrafted free agents the team signed were reportedly guaranteed more than Stoll was a year ago.
Here’s your rundown of what you need to know about the newest Eagles, presented in order of their likelihood of making the Week 1 active roster.
Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
College career: A three-year starter and two-time offensive player of the year in the Mountain West, Strong led Nevada to a 22-13 record during his time under center. As a senior in 2021, he threw for 4,175 yards in 12 games (348 yards per game) while completing 70 percent of his passes and throwing 36 touchdowns against only eight interceptions.
Physical profile: At 6-3, 226, he’s unlike both Jalen Hurts and Gardner Minshew stylistically. Strong is a pocket passer through and through with limited mobility. His ability to connect on deep balls is his calling card.
Dane Brugler’s scouting report: “Although his early-season consistency in 2021 didn’t match his 2020 film, he rushed back from his offseason knee surgery (normally a 10-month recovery time), and that affected his performance. He still managed to set a school record with 36 passing touchdowns as a junior. Strong has the arm talent to make the defense cover every inch of the field, and his velocity helps mask average anticipation with his reads. Aside from questions about his knee durability, his lower-body fundamentals aren’t a strength of his game, as he lacks the foot quickness to easily move the pocket and regain his balance as a passer. Overall, Strong has natural passing instincts and can rip throws all over the field when on schedule, but he is a limited play-extender with mixed results versus pressure that will limit his NFL ceiling unless addressed. As long as the medicals on his knee come back clean, he falls somewhere in the range of Mason Rudolph as an NFL prospect.”
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Brugler’s grade: No. 6 quarterback, fourth/fifth round
How he fits: Considering the reported $320,000 guaranteed he received from the Eagles to sign, Strong should be considered the favorite over Reid Sinnett for the No. 3 quarterback job. That guarantee is the highest given out by any team this year. (It should be noted most guarantees offset with practice squad contracts, so there’s little downside so long as the player ends up on a practice squad somewhere.) The major question with Strong is the status of his knee, which led him to be medically rejected on most teams’ draft boards. If he’s healthy, he has real upside to be a solid, cost-controlled No. 2 quarterback. With Gardner Minshew entering the final season of his rookie deal, that upside is worth a shot for the Eagles.
Fun fact: He is the first quarterback in Eagles history named Carson.
Noah Elliss, DT, Idaho
College career: Heavily recruited out of high school, Elliss was set to play for Mississippi State but was ruled ineligible. From there, he chose to play at Idaho, where his father, former Lions standout defensive tackle Luther Elliss, coached (Eagles linebacker Christian Elliss is Noah’s brother). At Idaho, Elliss was a part-time starter for three seasons and notched two sacks over that time.
Physical profile: Elliss is a big, strong, powerful man at 6-4, 346 pounds. He was injured during the pre-draft process and is not practicing as the Eagles begin their rookie workouts. He could be a candidate for the non-football injury list.
Brugler’s scouting report: “Elliss is a big-bodied lineman with the play strength and force to stack the line versus the run or push blockers backward as a pass rusher. Much of his game is based on his physical ability, and he must develop his fundamentals and play recognition to become a regular contributor in the NFL. Overall, Elliss is a work in progress with his technique and timing, but he has disruptive power and movement skills when his battery is charged. He projects as a rotational nose tackle in the NFL with clear upside.”
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Brugler’s grade: No. 17 defensive tackle, sixth/seventh round
How he fits: The Eagles guaranteed Elliss $240,000, according to NFL Network, tied for the second-highest amount in their class. Considering the Eagles’ investment in Jordan Davis and their top-end depth at the position, their interest in Elliss might be something of a tell about their commitment to having a true nose tackle as part of the defense.
Fun fact: The extra “s” in Eliss stands for “surprise!”
The second Vandal headed to @ShrineBowl!! 🟡⚫️🟡
Massive frame with rare agility and athleticism for the position, get-off is explosive and overwhelms iOL with blended play speed and power. Equally disruptive against the run/rushing the passer@VandalFootball ➡️ Vegas ⚫️🟡⚫️ https://t.co/D0qiWsGCjk pic.twitter.com/N7UrhnFAMh
— Shane Coughlin (@Shane__Coughlin) December 29, 2021
Kennedy Brooks, RB, Oklahoma
College career: Brooks was accused of mental and physical abuse by his ex-girlfriend in 2019 but was cleared following an investigation by the school.
He ran for over 1,000 yards three times during his Oklahoma career and averaged 7.0 yards per carry.
Physical profile: At 5-11, 209 pounds, Brooks ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash.
Brugler’s scouting report: “Brooks has a controlled, short-stepping run style with the balance to pick his way through traffic at the line of scrimmage. His lack of violence as a finisher is bothersome, and his inconsistencies as a pass catcher and blocker need to be addressed. Overall, Brooks lacks explosive traits and speed, but he has a great feel for tempo and patience with the subtle moves to stay out of the defender’s crosshairs. His best chance to stick in the NFL will be with a zone-heavy run team.”
Brugler’s grade: No. 27 running back, priority free agent
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How he fits: Brooks will compete to fill the erstwhile Jordan Howard role as the between-the-tackles thumper. There are no other running backs on the roster with his size, and the Eagles gave him a reported $240,000 guarantee.
Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson
College career: Goodrich did not earn a full-time starting job until his senior season at Clemson, but he broke out in 2021 as a first-team All-ACC performer thanks to 11 passes defensed and two interceptions while serving as a team captain.
Physical profile: At 6-0, 172 pounds, Goodrich ran his 40 in the 4.5s at the combine and Clemson’s pro day. His arms are shorter than the magical 31-inch mark.
Brugler’s scouting report: “A late bloomer on the NFL radar, he spent three years maturing before his breakout season as a senior, posting more passes defended (team-best 11) than his previous three seasons combined (nine). Goodrich has a physical appetite in coverage to make receivers uncomfortable and rake at the football when targeted. He enjoys mixing it up with receivers, but his pedestrian play strength might look a tad different against NFL receivers. Overall, Goodrich has only average speed, twitch and recovery skills, but he is an aggressive player with plus tackling skills, making him a natural fit for a Cover-2 or zone-based coverage.”
Brugler’s grade: No. 27 cornerback, sixth round
How he fits: Goodrich was given the most guaranteed money ($217,000, reportedly) of the three intriguing cornerbacks signed by the Eagles as undrafted free agents. There is shaping up to be a battle royale of unproven cornerbacks as the Eagles search for someone to wrestle away a job. Zech McPhearson, a 2021 fourth-round pick, would be the favorite to start opposite Darius Slay if the season started today, but Tay Gowan, Kary Vincent Jr. and Mac McCain are involved as well.
Fun fact: He chose to sign with the Eagles so he could wear green as a nod to his beloved brother Luigi.
Britain Covey, WR, Utah
College career: Covey burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2015 to lead Utah with 519 receiving yards, earning freshman All-America honors and an honorable all-Pac 12 mention. He then left for two years on his LDS mission. In his four years after returning in 2018, he earned three first-team all-conference honors as a return specialist sandwiched around a torn ACL. As a senior in 2021, he scored three return touchdowns.
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Physical profile: At 5-8, 169 pounds, Covey will draw inevitable comparisons to the likes of Wes Welker, Danny Amendola, Chad Hall and Braxton Berrios.
Brugler’s scouting report: “Covey is an electric athlete with the innate proximity awareness and cutting quickness that makes him a dangerous returner. He averaged 11.7 yards per punt return with five career touchdowns on special teams (four punt returns, one kick return). He is an undersized target in the passing game, but he separates underneath and creates YAC plays for himself. Overall, Covey is role specific, but his instinctive vision and suddenness give him a realistic chance of playing in the NFL as a slot and return man.”
Brugler’s grade: No. 48 wide receiver, priority free agent
How he fits: As a 25-year-old rookie, Covey has a real chance to win a return job with a team that has lacked juice in that area for the past few seasons. He’s an early favorite for the coveted training camp darling award.
Fun fact: A native of Provo, Utah, Covey was high school teammates with Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young.
Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
College career: A two-year starter at Alabama, Jobe had 11 passes defensed as a junior in 2020 then six in 2021 to go along with two interceptions.
Physical profile: Jobe has prototypical outside corner size at just under 6-0, 182 pounds with arms that measured 32 5/8 inches at the combine (and somehow shrank to 32 inches at the Alabama pro day). A right foot injury stopped him from testing in the pre-draft process. He turned 24 in April.
Brugler’s scouting report: “He played hurt throughout his senior season and struggled to live up to expectations on his 2021 tape, but he looked like a potential top-100 draft pick based on his 2020 film, creating question marks for his draft projection. Jobe is a strong, aggressive cover man who trusts his technique and stays balanced in his movements. His instincts are solid, but his eye discipline and timing must improve for him to cut down on penalties. Overall, Jobe is inconsistent in zone and lacks ideal suddenness, but he is at his best in man-to-man coverage because of his athletic, competitive play style to be disruptive up and down the field. He has starting potential as a cover-and-clobber NFL corner.”
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Brugler’s grade: No. 18 cornerback, fourth/fifth round
How he fits: Some draft analysts thought that Jobe would profile best as a safety at the next level, but all indications are he’ll be in the mix with the rest of the unproven cornerbacks jockeying for playing time. And they’re off!
Fun fact: A certain segment of the Eagles fan base will appreciate that he went to Christopher Columbus High School.
— JJ (@JoshuaMJobe) May 31, 2021
Josh Blackwell, CB, Duke
College career: Blackwell started all 10 games he played in 2019 as a redshirt sophomore at Duke before suffering a season-ending knee injury after two games in 2020. He returned in 2021 to start 11 games and participated in the NFLPA Bowl. He had zero interceptions in 28 college starts.
Physical profile: Though the least heralded of the three cornerbacks signed by the Eagles after the draft, Blackwell offers the most intriguing physical tools. At 5-11, 183 pounds, he ran a blazing 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the Duke pro day with solid results in the broad and vertical jumps.
Brugler’s scouting report: “Although he missed most of the 2020 season with a torn meniscus in his right knee, Blackwell is a slick athlete with the top-end speed and sudden twitch to mirror and match in press coverage. His instincts are evident on tape, but he bites on route fakes and plays too loose, which leads to too many completions (see 2021 Miami tape). While his lack of size shows in coverage, it is especially evident in the run game, sticking to blocks and missing tackles. Overall, Blackwell is undersized with lackluster ball skills, but his elite speed, footwork and intangibles will earn him more than one bite at the NFL apple.”
Brugler’s grade: No. 49 cornerback, priority free agent
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How he fits: Because of the sheer number of cornerbacks on the roster, one wonders if Blackwell will be shifted to the slot, where only Avonte Maddox and Josiah Scott have playing experience on the roster. He also figures to be a player to watch on special teams during the preseason.
Fun fact: Duke went 10-25 in Blackwell’s final three seasons, and yet Mike Krzyzewski will be widely remembered as the school’s biggest loser.
Thank you my boy 😂🧡 https://t.co/nj3K45iwaO
— Joshua 🚀 (@JoshuaBlackwe12) April 6, 2019
William Dunkle, OG, San Diego State
College career: A three-year starter at right guard for San Diego State, Dunkle earned second-team All-American honors as a redshirt junior in 2021 and declared early for the draft.
Physical profile: At 6-5, 328 pounds, Dunkle did not test particularly well at the combine, with marks below the 30th percentile in each athletic test.
Brugler’s scouting report: “Dunkle has a massive body and powerful base and uses his grip strength to move defenders as a run blocker. However, he lacks reactive athleticism and relies more on force than a technical, well-timed approach, which leaves him top-heavy and falling off blocks. Overall, Dunkle has NFL-level inline power, but his feet, feel and fundamentals all fall short and will be tough to mask versus NFL-level competition. He is scheme-specific and a guard-only prospect who will need the right fit to survive roster cuts.”
Brugler’s grade: No. 22 guard, priority free agent
How he fits: The recent waiving of Nate Herbig leaves a little room to operate for bottom-of-the-roster interior offensive linemen. Dunkle will have a chance to compete for a practice squad spot and will probably have to prove some position versatility.
Fun fact: This is the only true fun fact in the article: I knew a kid in college named Will Dunkle.
Reed Blankenship, S, Middle Tennessee
College career: Blankenship left Middle Tennessee as the program’s all-time leading tackler after starting for five seasons (one was shortened by injury) and earning all-conference honors three times, including first-team honors as a senior in 2021. He also intercepted nine passes in five years.
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Physical profile: Blankenship ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at 6-1, 203 pounds with an above-average 1.50-second 10-yard split.
NFL.com’s scouting report: “Blankenship is a team leader who is aggressive and heavily experienced in a defense that required his versatility. He’s ready and willing in run support but has a problem with tackle angles that causes too many misses from a variety of locations around the field. He’s athletic and his route recognition is good when he’s playing from up top; however, he lacks top-end speed to stay with downfield assignments. He will need to shine on special teams to improve his chances of making it in the league.”
Brugler’s grade: No. 46 safety
How he fits: If the Eagles are as content with their safety picture as they profess to be, there’s a big opening for depth at the position. Behind presumptive starters Anthony Harris and Marcus Epps, third-year player K’Von Wallace is likely roster-bound but hasn’t earned that with anything he’s done on the field the last two years. Andre Chachere is a quality special teams player, and Jared Mayden was active a few times last season. That’s the whole group. As with almost any undrafted player, Blankenship’s impact will have to come on special teams. Maybe he can be the next Colt Anderson or Chris Maragos.
Fun fact: You sunk my Blankenship.
Josh Sills, OL, Oklahoma State
College career: Sills is the rare offensive lineman who started at all five positions over the course of his five seasons split between West Virginia and Oklahoma State. As a redshirt senior in 2021, the 24-year-old Sills settled down to play left guard exclusively and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors.
Physical profile: At 6-6, 322 pounds, Sills tested as a slightly below-average athlete at the Oklahoma State pro day.
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Brugler’s scouting report: “Sills competes with a touch of wildness and is the type of guy you want on your side in a bar fight. His bully attitude on the field makes him a great run finisher, but sometimes at the expense of his balance, falling off blocks. He has solid athleticism for a big man with a forceful punch as a pass blocker, but his timing needs refinement. Overall, Sills is one of the few players in this draft class with college starting experience at all five offensive line spots, but he must play with better control to counterbalance his aggression.”
Brugler’s grade: No. 26 guard, priority free agent
How he fits: Sills’ versatility will serve him well in the quest for a practice squad spot, and his “bar-fight” attitude makes him a good candidate to be involved in the first training camp brawl of the summer.
Fun fact: Plays in a niche cover band that plays songs like “Woodsock,” “Each Your Children” and “Almos Cu My Hair.”
Ali Fayad, Edge/LB, Western Michigan
College career: Fayad notched 32.5 sacks over four-and-a-half seasons at Western Michigan, including 13 as a senior in 2021.
Physical profile: At 6-2, 248 pounds, Fayad is more likely to spend time with the sam linebackers than the edge rushers. He had a relatively disappointing 7.31-second three-cone time at his pro day and was measured with 31 3/8-inch arms that will likely force him off the line of scrimmage.
Brugler’s grade: No. 49 edge player
How he fits: Elliss is to Davis as Fayad is to Kyron Johnson.
Fun fact: Lineage-wise, he preceded Sacha Baron Cohen’s character by one generation.
Does Ali Fayad have moves? Inside jab step, club, spin, stab, club, cross chop? Dis i get that right Ali? Dude works. pic.twitter.com/QRzqaHzfDQ
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) January 29, 2022
Jarrid Williams, OT, Miami
College career: A right tackle by trade, Williams transferred to Miami from Houston for his senior season in 2020 then stuck around for another year when everyone was granted an extra year of eligibility.
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Physical profile: At 6-6, 323 pounds, Williams has some explosion in his body. His 31-inch vertical jump would have been the second-best among tackles at this year’s combine. Relative to the position, he has slightly above-average arms and hands.
Brugler’s grade: No. 35 tackle
How he fits: As the third-team right tackle until the team decides it has been too long since they last saw Casey Tucker’s handsome face.
Fun fact: Serves as a go-to source for knockoff wedding rings.
Was impressed with Eagles UDFA OT Jarrid Williams at the @Hula_Bowl pic.twitter.com/lx1yiwHvRT
— Harrison Brown-Russo (@HarryBrownRusso) May 1, 2022
(Photo: Tyler Ingham / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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