Only one Eagle heard his name called in the 2022 NFL Draft between the seven rounds at the end of April. However, there were several that signed Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) contracts shortly after. Here is a summary of the players' performances and where they ended up.
Zion Johnson, G, Los Angeles Chargers (Round 1, Pick 17)
As the most pro-ready prospect, it is no surprise that Johnson was drafted in the first round. He is a top-two interior offensive lineman in this draft, and he was treated as such. He has the potential to start immediately and contribute on a team that has Super Bowl aspirations, especially because teams seldom draft offensive lineman in the first round with the intention of developing them. He is certainly up to the task. Zion will be entrusted with protecting Justin Herbert, one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, alongside All-Pro Corey Linsley, and last year’s first round pick, Rashawn Slater. If Johnson can perform up to his expectations, he can look forward to helping guide the Chargers into the playoffs and earning All-Rookie Team honors at the end of this season.
Brandon Sebastian, DB, Los Angeles Chargers (UDFA)
Zion Johnson will be joined by fellow Eagle Sebastian. He was one of the best players on the Eagles’ defense for the past couple of years. However, he lacks some of the measurements and production of some of the top corners in this draft. While he has long arms and a decent frame, he is less than 180 pounds, which could make it difficult for him to match up with some of the bigger receivers in the NFL. If the Chargers can put some weight on him and teach him to be better in press coverage, there is certainly a spot for him in the NFL. For now, he will likely only get opportunities on special teams, as there are several very good cornerbacks ahead of him on the Chargers’ roster.
Alec Lindstrom, OL, Dallas Cowboys (UDFA)
Despite being an All-American in 2021, Lindstrom did not hear his name called in the draft. However, he finds himself in a situation where he could definitely make a roster. The Cowboys lost several offensive linemen to free agency this offseason, and they hope to compete for a Super Bowl, so keeping Lindstrom on the roster would be beneficial for them. It could be especially helpful for Lindstrom to learn from Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, as well as the Cowboys’ staff. Based on what he showed while at BC, he can certainly contribute at the NFL level, he just needs to be in the right situation and take advantage of NFL coaching.
Tyler Vrabel, OL, Atlanta Falcons (UDFA)
After a successful career on the Heights, Vrabel went undrafted. Despite having decent size for an NFL tackle, he does not have the athleticism or tape that warranted being drafted. Luckily for him, size is the one thing that you cannot teach. Joining a rebuilding Falcons team, Vrabel can definitely make the roster. However, he will have to impress during training camp. If he can do that, he can learn from two very good offensive lineman in Jake Matthews, and fellow Eagle, Chris Lindstrom.
Ben Petrula, OL, Cleveland Browns (UDFA)
Petrula earned several All-ACC honors during his five years as an Eagle. After not hearing his name during the draft, he ends up in a situation where roster spots are hard to come by. The Browns have one of the best offensive lines in the league, so a starting spot is unlikely. However, if he plays well in training camp, he could possibly make the roster for some depth, but he is more likely to end up on the practice squad. Like Vrabel, he has great size so he could certainly develop into a future starter with help from the Browns excellent coaching staff and linemen.
Isaiah Graham-Mobley, LB, Carolina Panthers (UDFA)
Graham-Mobley’s lone season with the Eagles was solid, but it wasn’t good enough to warrant any team selecting him after having several injury-riddled seasons with Temple. However, he’ll join a Panthers team suffering from a serious lack of depth at linebacker. As long as he can stay healthy, his athleticism could be a serious asset to the Panthers as a special teamer, and he could eventually become a starter if he can get better linebacker instincts. At the very least, Graham-Mobley should make the practice squad.
Mike Palmer, Trae Barry, and Brandon Barlow all received Rookie Mini-Camp invites, but they did not sign official contracts.
Fan of Minnesota sports, so I'm used to disappointment. Was once mistaken for Ryan Gosling (but I'm more talented). Probably the only Yung Gravy fan you'll meet.