UDFAs

The Eagles added nine players in the draft over the previous three days. They followed that up by signing seven undrafted free agents (UDFAs). Anyone who has followed the Eagles for a while knows you can find role players and even starters after the draft. Sua Opeta was a key backup the Eagles added as a UDFA in April of 2019. Reed Blankenship is a starting safety the Eagles signed as a UDFA a couple of years ago.

Howie Roseman said this is the smallest UDFA class he’s ever signed. The Eagles knew this wasn’t going to be a deep set of draft prospects so they were more aggressive in January with signing street free agents. Let’s take a look at the players they did sign.

TE McCallan Castles – Tennessee – 6-4, 244

The Eagles love athletic, pass-catching TEs. They just don’t seem to find good ones. I’m afraid Castles fits that description. He played at Cal, UC-Davis and then finished at Tennessee. He caught 92 passes in college, showing some potential. Castles had a terrific workout at his Pro Day (4.67 in the 40, 37.5 vertical). He has NFL athleticism. When you watch the game tape, you see a guy who is more athlete than football player. He just doesn’t look like a natural receiver to me.

#Eagles deal for tight end McCallan Castles includes $30,000 bonus, $200,000 in base salary portion guaranteed for $230K in total guarantees, per a source

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 28, 2024

It sounds like the Eagles like him more than I do based on that money. Castles has good tools so maybe they can develop him, but the Eagles haven’t had much success with developing TEs in recent years. Castles is similar in size and athleticism to Grant Calcaterra, but not as skilled a receiver.

DL Gabe Hall – Baylor – 6-6, 291

Hall stood out to me at the Senior Bowl. I would see the guy in the green helmet winning a lot of his 1-on-1 battles. Then you watch his game tape and you’re underwhelmed. The guy who looked so good in Mobile was pedestrian in games.

https://twitter.com/TheSwoopScoops/status/1784376420644331532

He was attacking in Mobile and that wasn’t always the case at Baylor. But still, you expected to see more from him than you did. Hall has NFL size and is a solid athlete. At his best, he uses his length and quickness to get into the backfield. He has a good motor and will make his share of hustle plays. Hall could develop into a good rotational player. I had interest in the Eagles drafting him so this is a good signing.

OG Gottlieb Ayedze – Maryland – 6-4, 308

He played LT at Frostburg State before transferring to Maryland in 2023. Ayedze started 9 games at RT and one at RG. I watched him at RT and didn’t think he had the footwork to play OT in the NFL. Ayedze played in the Shrine Game and looked more natural at LT. I still think he’s best suited for OG. Ayedze is a good run blocker. He’s strong. Can get up to the second level. Physical. Anchors well in pass pro. The Eagles could give him a shot at OT, but I just don’t think he’s got the footwork to make it there. Another good signing.

RB Kendall Milton – Georgia – 6-2, 225

Milton might remind you of former Eagle Josh Adams. He is a downhill runner with good size. There isn’t much wiggle, though. Milton only started four games at UGA, due to a combination of injuries and being in a crowded backfield. Milton averaged 6 yards per carry for his career and ran for 14 TDs in 2023 so he was productive. Give him room and he will get downhill. He’s strong enough to break arm tackles. Just don’t expect him to make many guys miss. He’ll never start in the NFL, but could be effective in a rotation. His style does fit the Eagles offense.

OT Anim Dankwah – Howard – 6-8, 349

Started 25 games at LT for the Bison. Big frame with 35-inch arms. His kick-slide shows promise, but definitely needs work. Dankwah is a knee-bender, but still plays taller than you would like, mostly due to his size. I didn’t see a ton of him, but he lacked physicality in the reps I saw. A guy with his size should have been physically dominant. I didn’t see much of that. His Pro Day numbers showed that Dankwah has athletic limitations. Still, with that size and length he is a good project for Stoutland U. You can’t teach size. See if the coaches can make something of him.

SAF Andre Sam – LSU – 5-11, 193

Interesting prospect. Turned 25 in February. Began his college career in 2017 (the pre-Super Bowl champ dark ages). Played at McNeese State, Marshall and LSU. Started 51 games. A bit undersized, but a solid hitter. Ran 4.59 and had a 36-inch vertical. Picked off 9 passes in his career and showed good ball skills. Could be a good practice squad candidate. Doesn’t have much upside, but has a ton of experience and that could help him adjust to the NFL.

https://twitter.com/TheSwoopScoops/status/1784378842003443898

SAF Kanion Williams – Tulsa – 6-1, 200

Played at Oklahoma State from 2018-2022. Was mainly a STer, but was voted team captain in 2021. Went to Tulsa in 2023 and got to play on defense. Had 37 tackles and an INT. Physical player, but basically a camp body.

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Former #Bengals and #Giants WR John Ross, whose 4.22 40-yard dash was the Combine record until Xavier Worthy broke it this year, will participate in the #Eagles’ rookie camp this week on a tryout basis, sources say. Ross had retired last year but is now exploring a comeback. pic.twitter.com/eGk7qyzemS

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 28, 2024

Interesting. Sort of. Ross had elite speed. He’s only 28 so I’m assuming he still has most of that speed. He last played in 2021, catching 11 passes and averaging 20.4 yards per catch. File this move under the category of “it can’t hurt to take a look”, but don’t get your expectations up.

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I’ll get back to talking about the draft class on Monday.

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