Raiders sign rookie tackle who Dane Brugler deemed mid-round draft worthy

Dane Brugler’s Scouting report put a mid-round draft grade on Gottlieb Ayedze. Now the Raiders get to see if he can live up to it.

This week the Raiders opened up a spot on the practice squad with the signing of CB Sam Webb. They have filled that spot with the addition of tackle Gottlieb Ayedze.

Ayedze was originally signed this offseason by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland. He landed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) List heading into camp and never got a foothold before being waived at the final roster cutdown.

The 6-4, 308-pounder spent his first four college seasons as the full time starting left tackle at Frostburg State. He then transferred to Maryland as a fifth-year Senior and started nine games at right tackle for the Terrapins last season and was named Honorable Mention All BigTen.

In the leadup to the draft, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler put a mid-round grade on Ayedze. Here was his scouting report from his BEAST Draft Guide:

STRENGTHS: Offers functional size, strength and length for NFL trench play … doesn’t labor out of his stance and widens out mid-slide to help cut off cornering edge rushers … well-timed punch centers his target, but he can also recover and refit if his reach gets knocked away … has enough power in his upper half to turn and dump overeager blitzers, using their momentum against them … lateral quicks show on backside pulls and when working up on com bo blocks … shows adequate range when advancing on screens … keeps his head/eyes on a swivel to locate and react to extra pressures … a false start on t he Illinois tape was his only penalty in his lone FBS season…played primarily left tackle and right tackle over his career, but he also looked comfortable with his guard reps (19.3 percent of his 2023 offensive snaps came at right guard).

WEAKNESSES: More smooth than explosive as an athlete … needs to do a better job staying balanced in space to answer two -way rushers … improved sink at contact will help strengthen his anchor when responding to bull rushers … shows a little too much give when absorbing contact, allowing rushers to pry their way free … leans into his blocks in the run game but would like to see better leg drive and nastiness … core strength could use adjustments, s o he can better access power from different parts of his body … hand placement at the end of pulls tends to be inconsistent … only one season against top compe tition at the FBS level … missed the first two games of the 2023 season because of injury.

SUMMARY: A one-year starter at Maryland, Ayedze played predominantly right tackle in offensive coordinator Josh Gattis’ RPO-heavy, multiple-run scheme. Despite only playing football for six years (one year of high school, four in Division II and one season in the Big Ten), he played well with the Terps, and several NFL teams bumped his draft grade between the summer and end of the 2023 season. Although he can use improved hip roll in the run game t o create displacement, Ayedze is efficient out of his stance and on the move, staying patient in pass protection to mirror rushers in smaller spaces. He started only one game at guard in 2023, but it came against Illinois — and he more than held his own against potential first-rounder Jer’Zhan Newton. Overall, Ayedze doesn’t have overwhelming size and needs to prove himself against NFL power, but he plays with control and several baseline traits that will translate well. He projects as a developmental guard who can play tackle in a pinch.

GRADE: 5th-6th Round

Most likely the Raiders liked Ayedze coming out of the draft, but their board took them elsewhere. The Raiders had already added a guard and a tackle on day two and once the draft was over had hoped to get Ayedze as an undrafted free agent, but the Eagles got him instead.

Ayedze’s injury never really gave him a chance to prove he belonged. Now healthy again, the will have that chance with the Raiders.

Eagles waive injured defensive back Mekhi Garner

Philadelphia Eagles waive injured defensive back Mekhi Garner

The Eagles announced they are waiving second-year defensive back Mekhi Garner with an injury designation.

The team signed offensive tackle Gottlieb Ayedze and placed cornerback Tyler Hall on the Reserve/Injured List.

An undrafted free agent cornerback out of LSU, the 6-foot-2, 212-pound rookie was elevated from the practice squad three times during the season (the maximum number of times in the regular season; totals reset in playoffs). In those three games, Garner played 27 snaps on defense and another 45 on special teams.

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Eagles sign offensive tackle Gottlieb Ayedze ahead of final week of preseason

Philadelphia Eagles sign offensive tackle Gottlieb Ayedze ahead of final week of preseason

The Eagles have a familiar face back at the NovaCare Complex, as the team signed offensive tackle Gottlieb Ayedze ahead of the final week of the preseason.

Ayedze was previously waived with an injury designation.

A Maryland native, Ayedze (6-5, 320 pounds) played four seasons at Division II Frostburg State before transferring to College Park for the 2023 season. He made 47 starts in 48 games and has experience playing both right and left tackle.

Updated Eagles’ 53-man roster projection ahead of preseason matchup vs. Patriots

Philadelphia is back at the NovaCare Complex for Week 3 of training camp and is starting to prepare for a joint practice and the second preseason matchup of the summer against New England. The Patriots hosted the Eagles for a joint practice session …

Philadelphia is back at the NovaCare Complex for Week 3 of training camp and is starting to prepare for a joint practice and the second preseason matchup of the summer against New England.

The Patriots hosted the Eagles for a joint practice session on Tuesday, August 13, before their preseason game on Thursday, August 15. Practice will begin at 10:30 AM, and gates will open to fans at 9:30 AM.

Philadelphia has increased the intensity of practice season after the 2023 collapse, and Thursday night’s matchup offers another chance to clarify several high-profile roster battles. Players on the bubble will look to create separation, and we will be watching to see which starters, if any, will play in the first quarter after an intense Tuesday session.

With the Eagles having defeated the Ravens and made three roster moves since last week, we’re unveiling the fourth 53-man roster prediction ahead of cutdown day and the regular season opener.

Hurts will look to reduce the turnovers under first-year OC Kellen Moore.

After being traded to the Eagles, the former Steelers first-round pick has been solid in training camp, but he’ll have to defeat Tanner McKee to maintain the backup job.

McKee would have to fall off the cliff to lose a roster spot to Will Grier, and he could rise up to the backup quarterback spot.

The former Penn State star has yet to play in the preseason.

Gainwell will enter Year 4 looking to lock down the backup running back spot.

The rookie is a jack of all trades and made his mark during his debut against the Ravens.

Smith is firmly entrenched as a ‘Batman’ after signing his 3-year, $75 million contract extension.

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Johnny Wilson should be locked to make the final roster. Covey makes the roster over John Ross, and he’s still the best punt returner on the roster.

You can’t teach size, and Wilson makes the cut as the Eagles work to utilize his unique skill set.

Goedert will look to record his first 1,000-yard season.

Calcaterra is a capable pass catcher, and provides special teams depth.

Okwuegbunam Jr. had no role under former offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, and he’s done nothing to separate himself, opening things up for E.J. Jenkins as the third tight end. Armani Rogers is another player to watch.

Mailata signed a 3-year, $66 million contract extension and is one of the best left tackles in the NFL.

Dickerson signed a new 4-year, $98 million deal and is the best left guard and highest paid in the NFL.

Entering his third season, Jurgens will face enormous pressure after Jason Kelce announces his retirement.

Steen is under pressure, and it looks like Mekhi Becton will unseat him.

The All-Pro will play his first season without Jason Kelce and be called upon to anchor a retooled offensive line.

The big ticket offers potential, and he could earn the starting right guard spot.

Johnson is Mailata’s primary backup and can play both offensive tackle positions.

Matt Hennessy has done nothing to stand out over the first three weeks.

The rookie offensive guard will compete with Tyler Steen for the right guard spot and bring toughness to the roster.

The rookie from North Carolina State has outplayed Matt Hennessy.

Huff was essentially swapped for Haason Reddick, and he’ll be counted on to produce more than a situational ten sacks.

Sweat will play in the final year of his deal, and he’ll look to secure double-digit sacks.

Smith will see an uptick in snaps and should carve out a rotational pass-rusher role.

Graham will play his final season in Philadelphia before retiring.

The rookie linebacker will make the roster and will land a role as a situational pass rusher.

The pass rusher has always been stout on special teams, and his strip-sack in the preseason opener did not sway opinion.

The runner-up for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, Carter will see his snaps and accountability increase as Fletcher Cox retires.

Like Jalen Carter, the expectations will rise for the 3rd year defensive tackle.

Williams is entering the final year of his deal and could have a breakout season at defensive tackle.

The 2023 seventh-round pick will look to carve out a role alongside a stout defensive line.

Dean enters a critical third year and competes with multiple players, including rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

The former Buccaneers linebacker could transform the Eagles’ defense if he can regain his 2020-2021 form.

Baun is already a favorite of DC Vic Fangio and could carve out a role in multiple positions.

Trotter Jr. will enter his rookie system with the perfect support system, and he flashed during the preseason opener.

The second-year linebacker has been consistent this summer. He’s a special teams standout who makes the roster ahead of Oren Burks.

Slay returns as the Eagles top cornerback, but at 33, he could be set for his final chance at winning a Super Bowl.

The rookie has been as good as advertised and should start at cornerback opposite Darius Slay.

The rookie from Iowa is listed as a cornerback and is dealing with a hamstring injury, but he’ll see snaps at every position. He could allow Philadelphia to carry one less safety and move on from Avonte Maddox.

Rodgers has returned to the gridiron after serving a one-year suspension and will compete for a role as cornerback and as the primary kick return specialist.

Ringo appears to be the more impactful player than Eli Ricks and will land a roster spot after impressive rookie development. He’ll battle Quinyon Mitchell for the starting cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay.

Special teams play is essential, and Jobe is one of the best gunners in the NFL.

Blankenship signed a two-year extension, and he’s developed into one of the top young safeties In the NFL.

Gardner-Johnson returns to Philadelphia after spending one season in Detroit, and he’ll bring swagger and big-play potential to Vic Fangio’s secondary.

Brown will start the season on the PUP list while rehabbing his torn ACL.

After not having Bradberry on our initial 53-man roster predictions, the Eagles’ newest safety could make the roster if he’s not traded in late summer. Sydney Brown starting camp on the PUP list could bode well for Bradberry’s future in Philadelphia.

The veteran cornerback can play in the slot and he can play safety, ensuring his role on the roster.

The All-Pro signed a four-year contract extension.

Top photos from the Eagles 16-13 win over Ravens in preseason opener

We’re looking at the top 100 photos from the Philadelphia Eagles 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Friday night

The Eagles returned to live game action for the first time since their embarrassing 32-9 defeat to the Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card game.

Philadelphia traveled to Baltimore to face the Ravens in a preview of their Week 13 matchup, which looms later in the regular season. Both teams held out the majority of the starters, allowing key rookies and veterans on the bubble to shine and create separation in roster battles.

Eagles All-Pro kicker Jake Elliott made a 49-yard field goal with no time remaining to give Philadelphia a 16-13 victory on Friday night. Elliott missed an extra point off the left upright in the first quarter, and his 50-yard kick hit the right upright with 16 seconds remaining in the game.

With Philadelphia set to start preparation for the Patriots on Thursday night, here are the top 100 photos from the big win.

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Takeaways and observations from first half of Eagles’ preseason opener vs. the Ravens

The NFL is back, and Philadelphia officially started its march toward another postseason berth with a much anticipated preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Kenny Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown, and the Eagles are tied 6-6 …

The NFL is back, and Philadelphia officially started its march toward another postseason berth with a much anticipated preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Kenny Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown, and the Eagles are tied 6-6 with the Ravens to end the first half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Both teams held out key starters, but Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio ensured key players saw snaps in the first half. Most of the offensive and defensive starters sat out for the Ravens, allowing second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson to shine.

On offense, Josh Johnson was 4-12 passing for 60 yards, while Owen Wright led the Baltimore rushing attack with seven carries for 33 yards.

With the second half set to begin, here are takeaways and observations from the first half in Baltimore.

Trotter is instinctual and has the benefit of sharing dinner and breakfast with one of the greatest linebackers in Eagles franchise history.

Nakobe Dean’s first defensive snaps came with 5:34 remaining in the second quarter. Philadelphia’s starters at linebacker were Zack Baun and Devin White. Dean had one tackle in the first half and one pass defended.

Philadelphia gave us a preview of the future with Quinyon Mitchell and Kelee Ringo getting snaps together. Isaiah Rodgers got snaps on the outside with RIngo, while Mitchell got the initial snaps in the slot. The Eagles surrendered 62 yards passing in the first half.

Wilson got the start for Philadelphia and had one catch for seven yards on two targets and a crucial block on the Will Shipley touchdown.

Mekhi Becton gets the start at right guard, while the rest of the Eagles starting offensive line didn’t dress.

Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown in the first half, and solidified his status as the backup.

The Eagles’ top offensive starters, including Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata, were not uniform.

Eagles waive rookie offensive tackle Gottlieb Ayedze from Non-Football Injury List

The Philadelphia Eagles signed wide receiver Griffin Hebert and waived offensive tackle Gottlieb Ayedze from Non-Football Injury List.

After placing Gottlieb Ayedze on the Non-Football Injury list, the Eagles are waiving the rookie offensive tackle and signing wide receiver Griffin Hebert.

The team announced the move just moments before training camp practice No. 2 started.

A Maryland native, Ayedze (6-5, 320 pounds) played four seasons at Division II Frostburg State before transferring to College Park for the 2023 season. He made 47 starts in 48 games and has experience playing both right and left tackle.

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Eagles sign wide receiver Griffin Hebert

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed wide receiver Griffin Hebert to a one-year deal

The Eagles are set to begin Day 2 of training camp, and the team has announced two more roster moves.

Philadelphia signed wide receiver Griffin Hebert to a deal and then waived injured offensive tackle Gottlieb Ayedze from the Non-Football Injury List.

Hebert played wide receiver and tight end at Louisiana Tech, logging 99 catches for 1,582 yards and 14 career touchdowns.

Last summer, Hebert signed with Seattle as an undrafted free agent and caught three of four targets for 21 yards during preseason play.

In January, Hebert joined Philadelphia’s practice squad late last season and turned that into a reserve/future contract with the team. He was waived in April but returned for a training camp tryout.

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Eagles training camp: Highlights from Day 1 of practice

After months of waiting, and stories about Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex, for their first training camp practice of 2024. New additions like Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and Quinyon Mitchell took …

After months of waiting, and stories about Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex, for their first training camp practice of 2024.

New additions like Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and Quinyon Mitchell took the field on Wednesday, while rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean will miss three weeks with a hamstring injury.

Here are highlights from Day 1 of action.

Eagles updated 90-man roster arranged by uniform number ahead of training camp

We’re looking at the Philadelphia Eagles updated 90-man roster by uniform number ahead of Tuesday’s report date for training camp

The Eagles are just 12 away from being back on the field for the start of one of the most critical training camps in franchise history.

After signing seven undrafted free agents following the draft, Philadelphia has a full roster, including Laekin Vakalahi, who’ll be exempt from a roster spot as the team’s representative in the International Pathway Program.

After the team placed offensive tackle Le’Raven Clark on injured reserve, it released tight end Noah Togiai and signed cornerback Shon Stephens. Philadelphia now has a roster space for one player ahead of the July 23 report date for rookies and veterans.

With things about to ramp up, here’s an updated 90-player roster for the Eagles.