UDFA Talk

Let’s talk about UDFA targets. I think the Eagles are hurt by having such a young team and consecutive deep drafts. Agents aren’t as likely to steer guys our way with so many young players already in place. If we can land a couple of quality UDFAs I’ll be happy. I think we’ll sign 10-12. RB is the position where I think we’ve got the best chance to land a top shelf guy. I also hope we land a good DT. Most of the guys we sign will be more camp bodies than anything else.

Here are my Top 10 UDFA targets for the Eagles:

1. RB Darren Evans – Va Tech – 6’0, 227

Evans had a great year in 2008, but got hurt and missed all of 2009. Led the team in rushing in 2010, but had to share carries. Good size. Can be tough runner.

2. RB Nic Grigsby – Arizona – 5’11, 199

Only a medium sized RB, but has excellent speed. Has durability issues, but could be real good as a role player. Ran for almost 3000 yards in college. Also caught 85 passes. Can contribute in the passing game.

3. DT Ollie Ogbu – Penn State – 6’1, 295

Lacks ideal size, but uses that to his advantage by playing with great leverage. Might not be starting material, but could be good rotational player. Willing to do the dirty work. Does have enough quickness to be disruptive.

4. DT Cedric Thornton – Southern Ark. – 6’3, 309

Big frame, which is something that Jim Washburn likes in his DTs. Thornton played DE in college. Impressed me at the Senior Bowl where I thought he had the quickest burst off the ball of any DT. Bill Parcells is a big fan of Thornton’s.

5. CB Kendric Burney – UNC – 5’9, 185

One of my favorite CBs in the whole draft, but only runs in the 4.7 range. Shows up on game day. Might be able to play in the slot or in a Cover 2 system. Small guy, but could move to Safety. Finished his career with 11 INTs, 17 TFLs. Very good hitter and tackler.

6. LB Adrian Moten – Maryland – 6’2, 230

Playmaker. We can use all those types at LB we can get. Had 6 INTs, 5 FFs, and 15.5 TFLs in his career. Could play WLB or SAM in our system.

7. DE Alex Albright – Boston College – 6’5, 255

Albright had 8.5 sacks as a Freshman, then struggled to get to the QB in the ensuing years. I love his frame and motor. We’ve got small speed rushers. Take a chance on a guy with some size.

8. RS Phillip Livas – La Tech – 5’7, 180

PR and KOR. Ran back 4 punts and 4 kickoffs for TDs in his career. Could also contribute as WR. Small, but quick and elusive.

9. FS Deunta Williams – UNC – 6’2, 205

One of my favorite Safeties in the whole draft, but broke his ankle in the bowl game. Bad break. Has excellent potential.

10. TE Zack Pianalto – UNC – 6’4, 255

Another Tar Heel who played well and showed lots of NFL potential, but got hurt. Complete TE. Can block and catch. Does have durability issues.

List of UDFA Targets

RB Nic Grigsby – Arizona
RB Darren Evans – Virginia Tech
RB Mario Fannin – Auburn
RB Brandon Saine – Ohio State
QB Josh Portis – Ca. (PA)
QB Ryan Colburn – Fresno State
WR Chris Hogan – Monmouth
WR Tyler Beiler – Bridgewater
WR Armon Binns – Cincinnati
WR Jimmy Young – TCU
WR Ricardo Lockette – Fort Valley State
WR Dane Sanzenbacher – Ohio State
WR Chris Matthews – Kentucky
TE Zack Pianalto – UNC
RS Phillip Livas – La Tech
RS Shaky Smithson – Utah

DE Justin Trattou – Florida
DE Mario Addison – Troy
DE Alex Silvestro – Rutgers
DE Eddie Jones – Texas
DT Ollie Ogbu – Penn State
DT Cedric Thornton – Southern Arkansas
DT Martin Parker – Richmond
DT Miguel Chavis – Clemson
DT Lolomana Mikaele – Arizona
DT John Graves – Virginia Tech
LB A.J. Jones – Florida
LB Adrian Moten – Maryland
LB Matt Berning – CMU
LB Elijah Joseph – Temple
S Anthony Walters – Delaware
S Joe Lefged – Rutgers
S Byron Landor – Baylor
S Jeron Johonson – Boise State
CB Kendric Burney – UNC
CB Kevin Rutland – Missouri
CB Carl Gettis – Missouri
CB Jason Teague – TCU
CB Josh Gatlin – North Dakota State
CB Sterling Moore – SMU
CB Vance Cuff – Georgia
CB Jarrod Williams – Rhode Island