The City of Brotherly Love has showcased its fair share of unknown talent that became stars for the Philadelphia Eagles. Could they find other hidden talents that will explode onto the scene?
Players like Reed Blankenship, Moro Ojomo, and Matt Pryor have been late-round NFL Draft selections or undrafted free agents who have contributed to the team over the years. One that has shone the brightest for Philadelphia has been starting left tackle Jordan Mailata.
The story of Mailata's journey to the NFL is fascinating. He played rugby in Australia before becoming a seventh-round pick of the Eagles in 2018. He wouldn't see his first action until 2020, but he has started 69 of the 74 games he's appeared in. Last season, Mailata was a second-team All-Pro and was one of three offensive linemen who received votes for NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Philadelphia struck gold with Mailata and looks to revisit the same well they found him swimming in.
One of the Eagles' latest rookie minicamp invite has similar background to Mailata
On Wednesday, ESPN Australia and New Zealand reporter Laurie Horesh shared on social media that the Eagles have invited rugby player Carsen Patu to their rookie minicamp. Patu is expected to play linebacker-edge hybrid as he was training on that.
He does connect with Eagles offensive tackle Laekin Vakalahi, another former rugby player in New Zealand. The two came together through Conquest Athletic Performance. Vakalahi was a member of Philadelphia's practice squad this past season.
Patu was previously a member of the Manly Sea Eagles under-21 rugby club. He will now get the opportunity to go to training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Standing six feet, one inch and weighing 243 pounds, Patu gives the Eagles a shorter but strong presence coming off the edge. Guys like Mailata and Vakalahi have proven that their athleticism in rugby can translate well to football.
Philadelphia might have an opportunity to move Patu around, as Horesh also mentioned that fullback might be a good spot for him. Another big man being used on the tush push behind Jalen Hurts never hurts.
However, Patu's best shot at making the team will be what he can do on special teams. If he does make it all the way to the preseason, expect him to be on kickoff and punt return coverages to earn his spot.
The Eagles have not been afraid to go outside the box to find good talent in key positions. Patu has a legitimate shot to make a name for himself at minicamp and showcase his skills in preseason.
