The Eagles signed 11 undrafted rookie free agents on Tuesday, the first day back after the end of the NFL lockout.
The most notable name was running back Noel Devine, called a "human highlight reel" by many scouts. Devine rushed for over 4,000 yards at West Virginia after being heavily recruited in high school. You can see his tremendous speed and agility on Youtube.
Devine fell off many draft boards due to his size, since he's only 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds. However, his speed has electrified the Big East for four years. He ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Devine will likely compete for a spot as a change of pace third-down back and return specialist.
Another potential immediate contributor will be punter Chas Henry from Florida. The Eagles seem unlikely to bring back Sav Rocca, so Henry will get the first chance to prove he can be the starter. If so, Henry and fourth-round pick kicker Alex Henery would be a one-two punch of rookies from the specialist kicking spots. Henry won the Ray Guy Award, recognizing the best punter in college football, following the 2010 season.
The Eagles also added to the roster Graig Cooper (RB, Miami), Terrance Turner (WR, Indiana), Cedric Thornton (DL, Southern Arkansas), Martell Webb (TE, Michigan), Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (WR, Iowa), DeAndre Brown (WR, Southern Miss), Perry Baker (WR, Fairmont State), Jerrod Johnson (QB, Texas A&M) and Brandon Pegues (DE, Hampton).
Normally by now the rookies have been through a number of minicamps and have read the playbook. The lockout has put them at a disadvantage. But all of them will still get the chance to show they belong once training camp kicks off this week.
