The Philadelphia Eagles initially agreed to terms with seven undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft, one of which received an international roster exemption. The Eagles added an eighth signing after rookie minicamp, adding tryout player Shon Stephens to the 90-man squad. It still represents the smallest undrafted class of the Howie Roseman era. Offensive tackle Anim Dankwah possesses the best chance to compete for a 53-man roster spot.
The Eagles made Dankwah one of the highest-paid undrafted free agents in the NFL. Roseman signed the former Howard standout to a standard three-year agreement that contained $275,000 in total guarantees. It signaled Philadelphia’s interest level in securing his signature and increased his chances of making the team. The Eagles were generous with the guarantee amounts for all of their undrafted free agents, but Dankwah topped the list.
The 6-foot-8, 353-pound Dankwah possesses 35 ⅛” arms. He combines size and stature with the raw strength required to take developmental steps forward. His moldable tools are a perfect fit for Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who has a reputation for developing talents with baseline traits.
#Howard OT Anim Dankwah (6-8, 360, #77) is a prospect to keep an eye on today in the Cricket Celebration Bowl (12:00 pm ET, ABC)
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 16, 2023
He has already accepted an invitation to play in the East-West @ShrineBowl pic.twitter.com/NC25SPMpBX
Dankwah did not test well at the NFL Combine. The Toronto, Ontario, Canada native ran the 40-yard dash in 5.44 seconds with a historically poor 3.25 20-yard split and 7-foot-4 broad jump. Agility testing was equally poor via a 5.21 shuttle and 8.46 3-cone. The results contributed to Dankwah going undrafted.
Roseman didn't draft an offensive lineman until the fifth round, which was a guard (Trevor Keegan). The Eagles didn't select an offensive tackle at all. It's partially why they made Dankwah their highest-paid undrafted free agent. Their second highest-paid UDFA was Maryland offensive tackle Gottlieb Ayedze, who will also push for a 53-man roster spot.
There have been changes at offensive tackle for the Eagles this offseason. Last year's first-choice backup was Jack Driscoll, who played the most snaps behind the starters Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. Driscoll signed with the Miami Dolphins in unrestricted free agency. He's been replaced by former first-round pick Mekhi Becton, who joined the Eagles via a one-year contract.
Still, the Eagles will likely keep four offensive tackles on the initial 53-man roster. Le'Raven Clark has already been placed on season-ending IR. Dankwah and Ayedze will likely battle veteran in-house option Fred Johnson for that fourth and final spot. Johnson, a 26-year-old former undrafted free agent and journeyman, represents the biggest roadblock. The Eagles should swap him out for a higher-upside player like Dankwah.
Dankwah was one of the more well-known prospects to go undrafted. The massive blocker was invited to compete in this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl. Dankwah routinely displaced defenders throughout a solid week of practice.
The Eagles aggressively pursued Dankwah’s signature in undrafted free agency. They could be searching for a fourth offensive tackle to assert himself throughout training camp and the preseason. Dankwah will possess a straightforward path to the 53-man roster if coach Stoutland takes a liking to him over the next few months.
