The Philadelphia Eagles have a knack for uncovering hidden gems in the undrafted free agent (UDFA) pool, and this year's class is no exception. With a focus on bolstering their safety and tight end positions, the Eagles are poised to make a splash in the NFL. Here's a breakdown of the UDFAs who could make an impact in Philadelphia, along with my personal insights and commentary.
Safety
Kapena Gushiken, Ole Miss
Gushiken's journey to the NFL is a testament to his resilience and speed. Standing at 5'9" and running a 4.33 40-yard dash, he's a small but fast cornerback. However, his path to the NFL hasn't been without hurdles. Missing time due to injury and the pandemic, Gushiken's best shot at making the team might be on special teams, where his speed could be an asset. The Eagles already have a solid nickel defender in Cooper DeJean, so Gushiken's competition is fierce, but his ability to overcome challenges could make him a valuable addition.
Tucker Large, Washington State
Large's story is one of perseverance and coaching. After walking on at South Dakota State, he followed his coach, Jimmy Rogers, to Washington State, where he became a team captain and led the defense in pass breakups. However, his size (5'10", 181 lbs) and recent knee injury make it difficult to predict his future in the NFL. Large's special teams experience and exceptional coaching could be his saving grace, but he'll need to impress defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to secure a spot.
Tight End
Dae'Quan Wright, Ole Miss
Wright's productivity at tight end is remarkable, especially considering he wasn't drafted. With 635 receiving yards and 5 touchdown catches in 2025, he ranked among the top tight ends in the FBS. His ability to play through pain and his impressive statistics make him a valuable addition to the Eagles' tight end room, which is in need of a pass-catching threat. The Eagles' new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion, might just be the key to unlocking Wright's potential.
Linebacker
Deontae Lawson, Alabama
Lawson's injury history is a concern, but his intelligence and instincts are not. The Eagles value these qualities, as evidenced by their signing of Nakobe Dean. Lawson's reunion with his former teammate, Jihaad Campbell, could be a possibility, but it depends on his health and the team's depth at the position.
Edge Rusher
Joshua Weru, International Player Pathway
Weru's rugby background and impressive pre-draft workouts make him an intriguing prospect. Standing at 6'4" and running a 4.45 40-yard dash, he has the physical attributes to succeed. However, his adjustment to the NFL will be a challenge, and he won't be a quick fix for the Eagles' edge rusher room. Jeremiah Washburn's coaching expertise will be crucial in developing Weru's potential.
Interior OL
Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
Roberts' size and reliability in pass protection make him a strong candidate for the Eagles' offensive line. His ability to play right guard and the potential for mentorship from Tyler Steen make him a valuable addition. The Eagles' recent draft picks in the offensive line further emphasize their commitment to building depth and stability.
Special Teams
Rocco Underwood, Long Snapper, Florida
Underwood's award-winning performance as a long snapper makes him a crucial addition to the Eagles' special teams unit. With the team's recent changes in the long snapper position, Underwood's expertise and reliability will be essential to maintaining consistency and success on special teams.
In summary, the Eagles' UDFAs offer a mix of talent and potential, and their ability to find gems in the undrafted pool is a testament to their scouting prowess. As an analyst, I'm intrigued by the possibilities these players present, and I'm eager to see how they contribute to the team's success in the upcoming season.
