It's official. This year's Eagles Draft class have signed their first ever NFL Contracts, according to an official announcement from the team. In case you needed a quick refresh, these are the players who made up the 2019 Eagles Draft Class, with an in-depth article giving you everything you need to know about each player, attached underneath,
1st Round: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State, #77
2nd Round: Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State, #26
2nd Round: JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford, #19
4th round: Sharef Miller, DE, Penn State, #76
5th Round: Clayton Thorson, QB, Northwestern, #8
https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2019/04/27/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-2019-eagles-draft-class/
The Eagles also announced the signing of ten undrafted free agents, who are listed below:
LB, Joey Alfieri, Stanford
At 6'3, 239 lbs, Alfieri joins T.J Edwards as one of the prize pickings in this year's crop. With 165 tackles, 26.5 TFL, 14 sacks and 2 picks in 50 games, Alfieri solidified himself as a reliable starter during his time with the Cardinal, who amassed 37 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his final year.
OT, Ryan Bates, Penn State
Considered another steal by many, Bates showed his versatility by playing both ends of the bookshelf during his time at Penn State. Another PSU alumni, Bates helped a dominant rushing attack flourish and brings a slightly more agile frame (6'4, 302 lbs) and athletic profile to the table. It would not be surprising to see him shift inside and compete for a potential depth guard role given his surprising mobility and leaner frame. A lack of length could be a concern at the next level if he remains at tackle, but his burst and hand placement could be really enhanced if played iniside.
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Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
LB, T.J. Edwards,Wisconsin
It’s surprising that Edwards wasn’t drafted, especially given his level of production. With 112 tackles as a senior, he finished his career with four-years of 80+ stops. In his last two years, he combined for 22.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 7 picks and 16 pass breakups? Edwards has a real shot at making the final 53-man roster and he isn’t the only one.
RB, Nico Evans, Wyoming
His average of 132 yards per game on the ground ranked third in this year’s draft class and he has the compact, burstful game that the would fit the Eagles perfectly. With 1,325 yards as a senior along with 8 touchdowns, it’s safe to say Evans has the numbers to back up what you see on tape.
OG, Nate Herbig, Stanford
At 6'3, 336 lbs, Herbig has a dominant frame but like Matt Pryor, has a stunning amount of agility considering his size. He's not the most consistent lineman and would often look a little 'out of it' in comparison to his more urgent teammates, but when he's 'on', you can see why the Eagles like him. He has a stout base, plays with a lot of power and has a strong ability to anchor. Herbig could be a leading candidate in that interior guard free-for-all.
OG, Sua Opeta, Weber State
A former defensive tackle, this small-school sleeper stands at 6'4, 305 lbs, and was named an FCS-All American in back-to-back seasons, starting every game in that span at left tackle. A dominant combine performer, Opeta could benefit from adding some meat to his 6'4, 301 lbs frame and while he doesn't have the technical fundamentals as some of the other names in this list do, he has every other box ticked. Opeta could be a leading practice squad candidate.
C, Keegan Render, Iowa
This 6'4, 307 lbs, center is versatile and comes out of a pro-style offense which is an immediate plus for the Eagles. He's got frantically fast hand movement and while his footwork can get away from him at times, he has the IQ and impressively maintains blocks consistently when in pass-protection. For now, we can group Render with the other linemen in this crop, who could be dekeing it out for backup roles, with versatility being a real ace up his sleeve, after playing at both guard spots as well as center during his time at Iowa.
DT, Anthony Rush, UAB
Rush ended 2018 with 43 tackles, 11 TFL and a pair of sacks. Another small-school sleeper, Rush has a ridiculously intimidating frame at 6'5, 350 lbs, but needs to develop some pass-rushing moves if he is to make the jump. His size alone will command plenty of attention, but if the Eagles can condition some agility and endurance, they may have a real space-eating sleeper who can suck up double teams in lighter formations designed for defensive end speed.
WR, DeAndre Thompkins, Penn State
Noticing a trend here? The Eagles fell in love with Thompkins at his pro day and he could provide some special teams value to the Eagles, with two punt return TD's to his name. A 443 yard season in 2017 was his best, but Thompkins was predominantly used as a slot-receiver which lends itself very kindly to the Eagles. A slightly smaller slot wideout who has the ability to create separation at the line, and a man who has 66 returns for 674 yards? This could be a real sleeper to watch.
DT Kevin Wilkins (Rutgers)
Another local kid, Wilkins ended 2018 with 50 tackles after starting every game on the outside. That kind of versatility jumps off the page when you consider his size (6'2, 304 lbs). He's a more burstful lineman with good hands and an explosive first step. It's down to Phillip Daniels to harness the rest.
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
