The Philadelphia Eagles will be facing the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night to officially kick off their preseason. While the starters are expected to either rest or play one series, here are three UDFA to keep an eye on throughout the contest and for the rest of preseason.
Deontae is easily the biggest name of the Eagles’ UDFA class. Two years ago, Lawson was trending toward being a potential first-round pick. He was a starter at Alabama, a team captain, and those are traits the Philadelphia Eagles look for.
A season-ending injury in 2024 was challenging, but he returned in 2025 with career-high tackle totals. The hope in Philadelphia is that another year removed from the injury allows Lawson to improve his game even further.
The athletic testing wasn’t as impressive as some hoped, but it was solid. The Eagles aren’t betting on just testing numbers here, despite the narrative that RAS is the only way they select their prospects.
They are betting on the size, the pedigree, and the football IQ.
Lawson is known as a film rat who always seems to be prepared and in the right place on the field. He overlapped with current Eagles LB Jihaad Campbell at Alabama, which could help his development.
If he proves to be healthy, Lawson has a legitimate shot to eventually make the Philadelphia roster, and he could be one of the steals of the UDFA class.
A man named Maximus Pulley sounds like he should be an Avenger or a fighter in the Roman Colosseum, like from the movie Gladiator, but I digress.
Pulley is known for having a very high football IQ and quickly diagnosing defensive coverages. Maximus isn’t the biggest or most explosive athlete, but the production has been impressive. He picked off five passes last season and could bring some juice to the Eagles backfield.
Pulley began his career at Western Kentucky before transferring to Wofford and showing the NFL scouts what he could do.
Philly loves seeking out players who have that fight in them to make their own way.
Could the Eagles be hoping they have found another diamond in the rough, like Reed Blankenship?
While everyone has been talking about Uar Bernard, Weru is also a fascinating athlete who the Eagles signed as an UDFA.
Josh is 6-foot-4, weighs 244 pounds, and had exceptional testing numbers. He ran a 4.45 40-yard dash, jumped 41.5 inches in the vertical, and surprised most with an 11-foot-2 broad jump.
That is rare athletic ability.
Weru differs from some of the other developmental prospects because he’s been a professional athlete.
Josh played rugby with the Northampton Saints after joining their academy at age 14 and eventually signed a professional contract with the club. He also represented Kenya’s national rugby team.
The Eagles are gambling on his traits and elite athletic background. The hope is that he can turn those skills into being an effective edge rusher.
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