The Eagles have a stacked and versatile roster after drafting nine guys and signing seven undrafted free agents, including Laekin Vakalahi, who’ll be exempt from a roster spot as the team’s representative in the International Pathway Program.
Philadelphia now has two available roster spots ahead of the looming OTA sessions, mandatory minicamp, and July’s training camp after signing cornerback Shon Stephens and releasing tight end Noah Togiai.
With the rookie minicamp now completed, we’re ranking the roster’s rookies by potential impact in 2024.
DB Cooper DeJean
Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) catches a punt at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, October 21, 2023 in Iowa City. DeJean returned the punt for a touchdown and it was later called back after review ruled he fair-caught the punt.
During DeJean’s final season, he earned First Team All-Big Ten honors at two positions (DB and PR); DeJean was the Big Ten DB of Year and Big Ten PR of Year, all while missing the final four games (right leg).
DeJean only allowed only one catch of 15-plus yards in 2023.
Even if he’s not a Day 1 starter, the rookie will have a role at multiple positions, and he’ll return kicks immediately.
CB Quinyon Mitchell
Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Mitchell dominated his final two seasons at Toledo and earned All-American honors twice. If he’s not a Day 1 starter, he should at least see time in the slot.
WR Ainias Smith
Nov 25, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Ainias Smith (0) breaks the tackle of LSU Tigers cornerback Ashton Stamps (26) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
A five-year starter at Texas A&M, Smith was an all-purpose weapon (2023 snaps:
69.8 percent slot, 26.1 percent outside, and 4.1 percent backfield), becoming the only 2,000-yard receiver in SEC history to collect at least 250 yards on rush attempts, punt returns, and kickoff returns.
LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Nov 18, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) celebrates after sacking North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (not pictured) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
In 2023, Trotter earned Second Team All-American and Second Team All-ACC honors and Led the team in tackles, TFL, and sacks. Trotter started all 12 games for Clemson, logging 88 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.
RB Will Shipley
Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Will Shipley (1) runs the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Shipley is a true dual-threat who could see time at running back, as a slot wide receiver, and in the return game.
LB Jalyx Hunt
Hunt is a dynamic athlete with RAW pass rush potential. After signing Bryce Huff and with Nolan Smith returning, Hunt doesn’t have to be a Day 1 starter. He’ll spend 2024 learning the NFL game while working his way into a rotational pass rusher role.
OL Trevor Keegan
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Trevor Keegan (77) against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Keegan will see snaps, and if Tyler Steen struggles with pass protection, could become a mid-season starter.
WR Johnny Wilson
Nov 18, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Johnny Wilson (14) catches the ball during the warm ups against the North Alabama Lions at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports
Wilson is the tallest wide receiver in the NFL, and could earn a role in red zone as the season moves on, but he’ll start out learning the game, and the nuances.
OL Dylan McMahon
2024 role: Backup center, guard McMahon can play multiple positions, and he has a fan in legendary center Jason Kelce. McMahon will make the roster and spend 2024 learning the NFL game, while being classified as a backup who cross trains at offensive guard and center.
OT Gottlieb Ayedze
Sep 15, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins offensive lineman Gottlieb Ayedze (72) during the third quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
Gottlieb (6-5, 320 pounds) made 47 starts in 48 games and has experience playing both right and left tackle.
TE McCallan Castles, Tennessee
Tennessee tight end McCallan Castles (34) trips over a UConn football player during the Tennessee football game against UConn at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.
Castles, an athletic pass catcher, caught the third-most touchdowns (5) by an SEC tight end in 2023.
DT Gabe Hall
Nov 6, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears defensive lineman Gabe Hall (95) chases TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Chandler Morris (14) during the first quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Hall is the one undrafted free agent that could make the Eagles 53-man roster after posting 77 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks during five seasons at Baylor (2019-23).
