The Philadelphia Eagles finished on a sour note to end 2023. While there have already been changes in the offseason, the Eagles will never say no to more talent. This year, there are some interesting prospects from the Eagles UDFA 2024 class to compete in training camp. The Eagles are already vastly talented all over the roster. Yet, it’s not unheard of for the Eagles to find an undrafted free agent like Reed Blankenship and make them a key contributor. Also, Eli Ricks was an undrafted free agent last year and had to play a good amount last season. So, here are a few players fans should keep an eye on in training camp and see if they could develop into future contributors for the Eagles in 2024 and beyond.
Eagles UDFA Rookies That Can Make the Roster
Laekin Vakalahi, OT, Australia
Meet the new Eagles Aussie former rugby giant in Laekin Vakalahi. Vakalahi, 21, hails from Brisbane, Australia who was signed by the Eagles with an international player roster exemption. Vakalahi has no football experience and was a Junior Rugby player before. It will remind many Eagles fans of the journey of Jordan Mailata, who’s become one of the best tackles in the NFL after three years of development. Vakalahi stands at 6’5” and 318 pounds, and he won’t have to worry about significantly bulking up or slimming down. Vakalahi isn’t quite as imposing as Mailata, but he’s said to be a good athlete with great flexibility. It will take a minimum of a few years before Vakalahi likely sees the field. However, the possibility of the Eagles finding a new Aussie star in the making should be exciting.
Kendal Milton, RB, Georgia
The Eagles couldn’t help themselves in finding another Georgia Bulldog to add to the team. Milton was one of 12 Bulldogs that will enter the NFL this year. While he went undrafted, there are some things to like about Milton. In his final year of college, Milton averaged 6.5 yards per carry and totaled 14 rushing touchdowns. Milton is a powerful back weighing 225 pounds who can run through defenders and is a solid blocker. Milton doesn’t possess a second gear to run away from defenders or receiving experience out of the backfield. However, outside of Saquon Barkley, the Eagles don’t have a proven power back with Kenneth Gainwell and rookie Will Shipley. Milton will compete in training camp to be that guy for the Eagles. While he won’t burst onto the scene, Milton could become a steady contributor to the Eagles backfield committee for the next few years.
Gabe Hall, DL, Baylor
Gabe Hall is a player who has the look of a starting defensive lineman in the NFL. At the combine, Hall was measured at 6’6” and 291 pounds with great arm length. He has the potential to be a very stout run-defender as someone with elite length and great explosiveness off the snap. He’s not a great athlete, but size, length, and explosiveness are things that any defensive coach will want to work with. He would fit well into Vic Fangio’s defense, as a 3-4 defensive end who’s a run-stopper before a pass-rusher. The Eagles’ defensive line is very talented, but Hall will get the opportunity to compete with Moro Ojomo and Marlon Tuipulotu to get into their deep rotation.
Parting Takeaways
Any UDFA that comes into the NFL has their work cut out for them to even make the roster. So, each of these players will have to prove their worth come training camp. However, the 2024 Eagles UDFA rookies is a talented group, who could become intriguing options for the Eagles in 2024 or the future. However, Reed Blankenship is a shining example, that if you’re good enough the Eagles will put you on the field and possibly even in a big role.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
