So, I planned on doing more film reviews on the Eagles’ free agent signings. However, honestly, I wasn’t sure anyone wanted to read 1000 words on each of these guys. Rather than ignore them, I’ve gone back and watched a few games of each, and I’ll give you some quick thoughts on them all. I’ll include some clips for a few of them too.
I have already written about Kenyon Green, if you want a more detailed review on him.
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Adoree’ Jackson – CB
This is the most interesting Eagles signing. I imagine he has a decent chance of starting opposite Quinyon Mitchell. Jackson is an experienced outside cornerback, bringing a veteran presence to the Eagles’ defensive back room. Jackson didn’t start for the Giants until Week 12 last season, but I looked through his film as a starter. It’s pretty decent.
Jackson didn’t blow me away, but he can still play. He knows where to be on defense and doesn’t make any huge errors in coverage. He’s still fast enough to cover routes down the field and looks comfortable in both man and zone coverage. He also had a couple of really nice plays in contested situations.
The biggest issue I saw with him was on comeback routes. I feel he likes to give himself a bit more cushion to prevent balls from going over his head, which can result in comeback routes that cause him problems. As cornerbacks age, they can sometimes overcompensate for a lack of speed by standing too far off the receiver. This is something Jackson will need to be cautious of. Additionally, he had some issues with tackling in space against the Dallas Cowboys. This is something he will need to clean up.
Overall, I would expect Jackson to make the roster. I am sure the Eagles would like Kelee Ringo (or a draft pick) to beat out Jackson for the starting position, but if Jackson needs to play, I am confident he will do a decent job. It feels a smart pickup. I do have some faith in Ringo, though!
Joshua Uche – EDGE
Josh Uche had an excellent 2022, ending with 11.5 sacks, but has struggled since then. Last year, he couldn’t get on the field for the Kansas City Chiefs. I watched him play in Week 18 for the Chiefs, and was very surprised to see him line up at off-ball linebacker on half of his reps. I’m not sure that says a lot about his pass-rushing ability!
He did have a few nice reps against the Denver Broncos, and it’s evident he can still get off blocks and knows how to use his hands to win. However, I didn’t see a lot of juice. I didn’t see a lot of explosiveness for a guy who was playing for a new contract. His film just lacked explosiveness and burst. He looked a lot older than 26!
I imagine Uche will give the Eagles some depth, but I’m not expecting too much from him.
The Eagles must hope he looks more like this guy next year. He looks a lot more explosive here than he did in 2024!
Kylen Granson – TE
Granson is another interesting pickup. He’s light and more of a hybrid tight end than a straight-up in-line guy. He can line up in the slot, the backfield, out wide, or in-line. He’s a handy chess piece to have and can also create yards after the catch. I wouldn’t be stunned if we see him at fullback at times! He has the build for it.
Granson is a better intermediate route runner than Harrison Bryant, and had some nice receptions on deep outs.
I’ve seen a lot of takes about how well he graded out as a run blocker, but this is why the film matters. He’s not a great in-line tight end run blocker. He doesn’t have the size or the power. He’s more of a complimentary piece at tight end, rather than someone who can be an every-down tight end.
However, he can be effective as a H-back where he has the quickness and willingness to come across the formation on plays like split-zone. Overall, I think he’s a good option to add and I imagine he will compete with Grant Calcaterra next season.
Harrison Bryant – TE
Bryant is undersized – like Granson – but he is more capable of playing in-line than Granson is. His film from this past year shows nothing to be excited about. I watched all his targets (which didn’t take long) and they were all simple routes to the flat. However, if you go back to his Browns film, there is more to be excited about. Despite being undersized, I think Bryant is capable of being an in-line tight end, as well as someone who can split out wide and play as a H-back.
I remember watching Bryant in 2020 and was a big fan of his coming out. I drafted him in all of my dynasty leagues! He hasn’t delivered on my faith, but I do think he had a very promising first couple of years in the league. The move to the Las Vegas Raiders last year didn’t suit him, either.
Despite being undersized, I think Bryant is already the Eagles’ 2nd best blocking tight end on the roster. He’s very competitive as a blocker.
I think Granson has a few more ‘wow’ moments on film, but Bryant is a better all-around tight end. If he looks like he did with the Browns in his 1st and 2nd season, this could be a sneaky pickup. Especially as the noise around Dallas Goedert is strange right now.
AJ Dillon – RB
AJ Dillon missed all of last year with a neck injury, but for the purpose of this, I’m going to assume he’s healthy and good to go for 2025.
This was my favorite free agent to watch, because I got to watch the Packers’ run game! I liked AJ Dillon coming out of college, and I still do. I can’t help but love big physical backs. I think if Dillon is healthy, there is a chance of a role for him on this team next year. It’s easy to forget that Dillon occasionally out-touched Aaron Jones in Green Bay a few years ago, and Aaron Jones is a top back. Dillon is a versatile runner with great vision, excelling in both gap and zone schemes while showing reliable hands in the passing game. His one-cut, physical style makes him a tough matchup, capable of grinding out short yardage and punishing defenders, even if he’s not breaking off long touchdowns.
He’s not a creative runner, and I wouldn’t be shocked if the Eagles tried to get younger at this position in the draft. This is a strong draft class at running back. Kenny Gainwell had a significant role last year, and I think AJ Dillon has a chance of playing a role next year. He brings a different skill-set to this Eagles’ backfield.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson – QB
Dorian Thompson-Robinson isn’t very good. However, he’s an explosive athlete with very good long speed, making him a dangerous scrambler and a threat in space. If you wanted the Eagles to have a backup who can move, you have your guy! He’s tough in the pocket and willing to throw on the move. However, the film from 2024 is pretty rough as a passer. He didn’t have a single completion over 20+ air yards (118 attempts), had 0 interceptions, 6 interceptions, and a 51.7% completion. He has a lot of work to do as a passer, but he has some interesting traits that are worth having a look at and developing as a backup.
Yikes…
However, as I said earlier, he can move!
If you know how much I love QB Counter Bash, then you know I had to post this one…
I don’t see DTR beating out Tanner McKee for the backup quarterback role. However, he could be a useful guy to have on the practice squad and could play a minor role if Jalen Hurts misses time next year.
Patrick Johnson – EDGE / Avery Williams – KR/PR
I’ve got nothing on these two. They’ve both barely played the past couple of seasons. I thought Patrick Johnson was intriguing a few years ago, but he could not get on the field for a bad Giants defense last year. So, I’m not expecting a great deal. One of Johnson’s biggest issues with the Eagles was his tackling, and he will need to improve that to have a shot at sticking around. I would be surprised if he makes the roster.
Avery Williams has never really played much on offense, so I assume he was signed purely for special teams. Which makes sense! If you want special teams analysis, I would recommend looking elsewhere. Speaking of which…
Charley Hughlett – LS
If you think I’m watching a long snapper…
Until next time!
Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment below and ask any questions. If you enjoyed this piece, you can find more of my work and podcast here.
