September 08, 2015
Michael Perez/AP
The Eagles were able to bring NFL Preseason MVP Raheem Mostert back to their practice squad.
Apologies as I'm a little late on this, but the Eagles finalized their practice squad over the weekend, when I had my first day off in a while. Here's who they added, with a little analysis:
• OT/OG Brett Boyko: Boyko's future in the NFL is probably at guard, where his short arms won't limit his ability to keep opposing edge rushers at bay. In camp and the preseason, he mostly played tackle. Boyko received the highest signing bonus among the undrafted free agents the Eagles brought in, but he needs more seasoning.
• OG Malcolm Bunche: I had Bunche making team as a road-grading guard, but he'll have to wait his turn. Bunche proved he could move third and fourth stringers against their will, but didn't get many opportunities against starting quality NFL: players.
• CB Randall Evans: Evans was often torched in training camp, but at times he flashed in a positive way as well, showing good ball skills and the knack for big plays. He's not ready yet, but there's something to work with here.
• WR Freddie Martino: It was surprising that the Eagles kept Martino over Rasheed Bailey.
• DE Brian Mihalik: Raw ability and athleticism for his impressive size, but has a ways to go before you would trust him in an actual game.
• RB Raheem Mostert: Mostert looked really good catching the ball out of the backfield throughout camp and the preseason game, and he's a burner. The Eagles were fortunate to be able to retain him on their practice squad. Mostert can now develop and potentially contribute as a kick returner in time.
• TE Chris Pantale: When the Eagles signed three UDFA tight ends, it was clear they wanted to add bodies to that position. However, they apparently didn't like any of them enough to add them to the practice squad. Instead, they grab a tight end from the Bears. Per the Eagles, Pantale saw action in five games with the Jets in 2014, and spent the 2015 training camp with the Bears. He was originally signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent with the Jets in 2013.
Update: Aaaaaand, Pantale is already out, Andrew Gleichert is in. Per the team site:
TE Andrew Gleichert: A former walk-on at Michigan State, Gleichert appeared in 33 games during his career with the Spartans. He also doubled as the team's fullback, showing the versatility desired by the Eagles' coaching staff. A talented blocker, Gleichert started 11 games at Michigan State and was named an Academic All-Big Ten selection in 2012.
• WR Quron Pratt: Pratt was a practice squadder all year in 2014. He's back in 2015.
• S Ed Reynolds: After picking off two passes in the first preseason game against the Colts, Reynolds began to generate some buzz, but his inability to land a spot on the final 53 despite weak safety depth has to be viewed as a disappointment.
• LB Deontae Skinner: Skinner was a late add to the training camp roster, but found his way onto the practice squad, which is mildly impressive.
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