Eagles rookie minicamp gets underway at the NovaCare Complex on Friday, the first time since the 2018 season ended that the team will be actually playing football in an official capacity.
Although none of the veterans will be on the field, that doesn't mean the next three days won't be important. The Eagles have done a great job over the last few seasons of finding talent in the undrafted free agency pool, as Corey Clement was a major contributor in 2017, and Josh Adams was the starting running back at one point last season.
Who could step up and be a steal for the Eagles this season?
Here are the top 5 undrafted rookies with the best chance of making the team and potentially having an impact this season:
G Nate Herbig (Stanford): The Eagles have a major issue with depth along the interior of their offensive line, as they basically only have Matt Pryor at both backup guard spots and no real backup center. Herbig, 6-foot-3, 335 pounds, was one of the best guards in college football during the 2017 season, earning first-team all conference honors. His 2018 season, however, didn't go as planned as he missed some time due to undisclosed injuries. Herbig is excellent as a run blocker, and if he can return to the player he was in 2017, he has a decent shot of making the roster as a backup.
G Sua Opeta (Weber State): Opeta, 6-foot-4, 301 pounds, seems to check a number of boxes for the Eagles. First, he is a great athlete, as he played defensive end in high school and his first year at Weber State. After his switch from the defensive side of the ball to the offensive line, Opeta spent time at left tackle, although his skillset projects best at guard in the NFL. If Opeta can show potential at guard, his background at tackle could make him a valuable backup.
LB T.J. Edwards (Wisconsin): Edwards was projected by some to go as high as the fourth round in the 2019 NFL Draft, but instead fell all the way into the undrafted free agency pool. Edwards, 6-foot, 230 pounds, was extremely productive at Wisconsin, totaling 80-plus tackles each year he in college. His high draft stock and clear talent have made him the favorite amongst Eagles' fans to make the team, and he very well might. Edwards faces an uphill battle, however, as the Eagles have at least four linebackers that are locks to make the team. Convincing them to keep five, and beating out guys like Paul Worrilow, might not be easy.
C Keegan Render (Iowa): Like Edwards, some felt Render would be drafted, so the Eagles pouncing on him as an undrafted free agent isn't surprising, and him deciding to come to Philadelphia isn't surprising either. The Eagles are desperate for a developmental player at center to eventually takeover for Jason Kelce. Render seems to have a chance to be that player. Having played guard the majority of his time in college, Render switched to center flawlessly in 2018. Render has great size for the position at 6-foot-3, 307 pounds, and coming from a pro-style offense, he should have an easier time picking up the verbiage in the Eagles' offense.
WR DeAndre Thompkins (Penn State): The Eagles top four receiver spots are set with Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. Behind them, however, both roster spots and playing time are up for grabs. Thompkins, 5-foot-11, 188 pounds, could come in and steal a spot. Thompkins put up impressive numbers in college when you consider quarterback Trace McSorely was not known as a great passer, as he averaged 15.0 yards-per-catch on 83 receptions. He was also an impact player on special teams, averaging 13.1 yards-per-return on punts in 2017, and then 9.8 yards in 2018. He had a great showing at the Penn State Pro Day, running a 4.33 40-yard dash. The Eagles clearly like what they have seen from Penn State players so far, using two of their five picks on Nittany Lions. Thompkins pushing for a roster spot would not be surprising.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
