Undrafted Rookies to Keep An Eye On

Knott has already impressed at ILB.

The 2013 Eagles draft class is getting a plethora of attention. While reporters monitor every bead of sweat Matt Barkley wipes, the nine undrafted rookies get little recognition. However, looking at past seasons, Philadelphia has had good success plucking productive players out of the crowded undrafted pool.

Here's a look at past undrafted players who became solid NFL players for Andy Reid:

G/C Nick Cole - New Mexico State
DT Cedric Thorton - Southern Arkansas
LB Akeem Jordan - James Madison
S Quintin Mikell - Boise State
C Jamaal Jackson - Delaware State
RB Chris Polk - Washington
WR Damaris Johnson - Tulsa
OT Austin Howard - Northern Iowa

Now let's take a look at Chip Kelly's first crack at the undrafted crop:

RB Miguel Maysonet, Stony Brook (5-9, 209): Maysonet was Todd McShay's favorite undrafted rookie. He was ultra-productive at Stony Brook, compiling 1,964 yards and 21 TDs as a senior. He's a very decisive runner who gets positive yardage, he's not one to dance through a hole. He has great ball security and always keeps moving forward, churning his feet. The Eagles backfield is extremely crowded however, especially with the recent signing of Felix Jones. But Maysonet has the talent and experience to challenge Jones and Polk, if he makes the practice squad, look for another team to sign him away from Philadelphia.

ATH Russell Shepard, LSU (6-1, 195): Unless you've played the NCAA Football video game, you're probably wondering what the ATH position is. Shepard is an athlete, he doesn't really have a position. He played some wide receiver and running back at LSU but some NFL scouts believe he's best suited for cornerback. He has good size and ran a 4.46 second 40 yard dash at the LSU Pro Day. Shepard finished his college career with over 700 rushing yards and over 500 receiving yards. Shepard seems like more of a project, but if he impresses, he could land a spot on the practice squad.

P Brad Wing, LSU (6-2, 205): Wing has a boot for a left foot. He can bomb the ball downfield, following the Sav Rocca footsteps from Australia. However, Wing has some serious character red flags. The troubled punter was told by the LSU coaching staff not to return to the team, even with two years remaining of eligibility. The former First-Team All-American reportedly had multiple failed drug tests among other issues. If his head is on straight, he will battle new punter Donnie Jones for the starting gig.

C Kyle Quin, Arizona (6-3, 290): Quin has been impressive thus far, and Jeff McLane reports the Eagles already like the youngster. He's built like Jason Kelce, and, examining his Oregon rosters, Chip Kelly seems more enamored with athleticism along the offensive line rather than size. Quin will compete against Dallas Reynolds for the backup center job.

Remington lines up across from Quinn.

DL Isaac Remington, Oregon (6-6, 305): Kelly brought in the big fella from Oregon, obviously he likes some aspects of Remington's game. In the past two seasons, Remington has appeared in 25 games and recorded 58 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 passes defensed, 2.5 sacks. At 6'6", he has the size along the defensive line that Chip Kelly covets. The backup spots along the D-Line are crowded, so Remington must flash his talent consistently throughout camp to have a shot at the 53-man roster.

DL Damion Square, Alabama (6-2, 293): Square played a versatile role at Alabama, spending time at 4-3 DE and 3-4 NT. He is a strong kid and possesses a motor that always runs hot. He's a consistent contributor, starting 32 games over the past three seasons on Alabama's elite defense. Square lacks the quickness and length to play 3-4 DE, in my opinion. He will likely add weight and compete for a 3-4 NT spot in the future. Square's consistency and versatility could very well land him a spot on the practice squad.

ILB Jake Knott, Iowa State (6-2, 243): Knott has good size, and covers a lot of ground in the pass game. He's Knott afraid to stick his nose in the run game (that was a poor play on words). He was a projected mid-round pick but has some shoulder concerns that led to his draft day slide. If he's healthy, his intelligence and intangibles give him a great chance to land on the 53-man roster. He projects as a force on special-teams and will push Jamar Chaney and Emmanuel Acho for their spots on the depth chart.

OL Matt Tobin, Iowa (6-6, 303): Tobin has good size and experience. He started the final 22 games of his career as a Hawkeye, spending time at left tackle and left guard. As a senior, Tobin earned All-Big 10 Honorable Mention honors. The backup spots along the O-Line are completely up in the air. His versatility gives him extra value, and once again, could earn him a spot on the practice squad.

RB Matthew Tucker, TCU (6-0, 221): Tucker has size. Chris Polk has reportedly slimmed down to improve speed, so Tucker will be the only bruising back at OTAs. He ran a solid 4.55 second 40 yard dash at the combine, showing nimble feet. Tucker is a long-shot, but once the preseason starts, any player can make some noise.


Under a new regime, undrafted players have as good of a chance as ever to make the team. These players brought in are Chip Kelly's players. The veteran depth on this roster are Andy Reid's players. We'll see how is works out once the pads go on. Everybody remember: RB Lorenzo Booker was a star during non-padded practice as a rookie, and we all know how that worked out. So be patient, pre-season games and training camp will be the best evaluators of these young men.

*Follow me on Twitter @Matt_Chastain25 and @OfficialEagles_, I'll get you back.