Fansided
Fansided

Philadelphia Eagles: 3 UDFAs who could make an impact

By Dillon Appleman

MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 03: T.J. Edwards #53 of the Wisconsin Badgers plays linebacker in the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium on November 03, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 03: T.J. Edwards #53 of the Wisconsin Badgers plays linebacker in the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium on November 03, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – SEPTEMBER 02: DeAndre Thompkins #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions returns a punt for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Akron Zips on September 2, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – SEPTEMBER 02: DeAndre Thompkins #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions returns a punt for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Akron Zips on September 2, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

DeAndre Thompkins, WR, Penn State

The Eagles’ two leading punt returners from 2018 are no longer with the team, so there will be competition for that spot all throughout OTA’s. One name Philly fans should look out for is former Penn State Nittany Lion DeAndre Thompkins.

Thompkins is a wide receiver who saw moderate production at the college level as a pass catcher. He reeled in 83 balls for over 1,200 yards and nabbed 6 touchdowns in four years but his real impact came as a return man.

In 2017, Thompkins finished sixth in the country in punt return yards with 319 and by the time he finished his career at Penn State, Thompkins had gained 675 yards with an average of 10.2 yards per return and brought two of those to pay dirt.

Thompkins will need to show improved hands if he’s going to stick on the roster as a wide receiver but if he can show moderate consistency while showcasing his return ability during camp, he could absolutely make the roster and have an immediate impact in 2019.

Home/NFL Draft