The draft is over, and I have taken the week to watch the film on all the prospects and have done the research for all 7 picks. All the picks make the roster surprising, and a couple of my favorite undrafted rookies.
53-Man Roster Rookies
- Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge 3-4
- Rashee Rice, WR 4-5
- Wanya Morris, LT/RT 2
- Charmarri Connor, SAF 4
- BJ Thompson, Edge 5
- Keondre Coburn, DT 2-3
- Nic Jones, CB 5-6
- Deneric Prince, RB 3
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, 40 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks
Felix is an every-down edge that is good against the run and pass. Felix has great bend around the edge, which no one on the roster really has. Felix was great in the Big-12 against some of the top tackles in the nation. His breakout game was against TCU in 2021, where he had 6 sacks. He has been hyper-productive in both years of college, with 13 sacks in 2021 and 8 sacks in 2022. He also was good against the run posting a 67.7 and 69.8 PFF run grade.
Rashee Rice, 30 receptions, 350 yards, 2 touchdowns
Rashee is a physical receiver that loves contact. He is a really good contested catch player as well. Rashee high-points the ball and can become a really good red-zone threat. But, as we know, rookie receivers get few and far between reps in an Andy Reid offense. I do see Rice having a good year, but with Toney, Skyy, and Justyn Ross returning will all be familiar with the offense. Rice will be quality depth and will be used as a gadget player as well. Rice is really good and tough to bring down with the ball in his hands. Rice will have a small stat year but will be a quality player.
Wanya Morris, 0 sacks, 0 pressures
Wanya will probably not play this year. Currently, the right tackle is Niang’s job to lose, but I also would not be surprised if Jawaan starts at right tackle and Smith starts the left. Wanya could also be in a position to switch to left tackle and learn from Smith. If Wanya does start for the whole season, I do not see him being much worse than Wylie.
Charmarri Connor, 12 tackles, 0 int, 2 forced fumbles
Charmarri will come in and be a special teams ace for Toub. Charmarri was a really good special teams guy in college. He is a human missile when going in for a tackle. Charmarri will get some playing time on defense but will not be significant unless for injury.
BJ Thompson, 15 tackles, 5 sacks
BJ is an athletic freak in every way possible. He was ranked 36 on Bruce Feldman’s athletic freak list. He is 6’6” but is super light for his size at 240 pounds. He is super lanky but has extreme quickness off the ball. I see him coming in and being a pass rush specialist, especially against slower tackles, *cough* Orlando Brown Jr *cough*and being really good at it. He will have a similar year to James Houston for the Lions last year.
Keondre Coburn, 20 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
Ironically for being a fifth-round pick, Coburn will be the most utilized rookie. He will win an early down spot at defensive tackle over Nnadi. He is great at eating up double teams but still has some prowess in pass-rushing. He uses leverage to make his massive body almost immovable. Coburn will also be used in goal-line situations or against heavy heavy run teams with Nnadi.
Nic Jones, 5 tackles, 1 int
Another defensive back that will come in and be a special teamer. Nic played special teams quite a lot at ball state and did his job. He was not an ace by any means but did his job very well. Nic could get some playing time on defense as well. He had 4 touchdowns last year for Ball State and had a 68.7 coverage grade per PFF.
Deneric Prince, 300 all-purpose, 2 touchdowns
Deneric will be the 3rd running back in the rotation and get a few reps. Deneric will be used to let Mckinnon take a few series off. Where Deneric will make his money is the return game. For being a bigger running back, he is extremely quick and really good balance. He bounces off contact with relative ease. He will take over the Pacheco role as kick returner and will probably return 1. He is also good in short yardage, so expect him to be that guy as well.
