Report: Eagles signal returner/gadget participant

The Philadelphia Eagles are signing free agent returner/gadget participant Avery Williams, based on a report from NFL insider Diana Russini.

Williams, a fifth-round choose (No. 183 total) by the Atlanta Falcons within the 2021 NFL Draft, is an fascinating addition to Philly’s roster.

Take a look at his non-special groups profession snap counts by place through Professional Soccer Focus:

2021 — 2 line of defense, 11 field defender, 96 slot cornerback, 9 large cornerback, 3 free security

2022 — 85 backfield, 6 inline tight finish, 37 slot receiver, 13 large receiver

2023 — Missed total season as a consequence of ACL harm that occurred throughout June OTAs

2024 — 10 backfield

As you may see, Williams switched from protection to offense after his rookie season. He logged 22 carries for 109 yards (5.0 common) and one landing as a runner in 2022. His 14 targets resulted in 13 receptions for simply 61 yards (4.7 common) that season.

Williams then missed the 2023 season and didn’t see offensive touches in 2024. However he did nonetheless contribute as a punt and kick returner, which he’s carried out all through his profession. A have a look at his numbers in these classes through Professional Soccer Reference:

10.9 yards per punt return is sweet. That’s just below Britain Covey’s profession common of 11.3.

Talking of Covey, he’s presently an unrestricted free agent after the Eagles opted to not use a restricted free agent tender on him. Maybe the Eagles signing Williams signifies they’re shifting on from Covey.

It’ll be fascinating to see how the Eagles make the most of Williams. On the very least, he figures to compete for a roster spot as a returner and particular groups contributor. However perhaps they’ll discover a solution to work him into the offense occasionally as effectively.

Pre-draft scouting report through NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:

Might see the same profession journey as present Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Jamal Agnew, who transitioned from cornerback to the offensive aspect of the ball in Detroit, all whereas thriving as a harmful return specialist. Williams was a gifted highschool working again, so a transfer to a hybrid gadget participant with run and pass-catching potential isn’t a loopy notion. His lack of measurement might be exploited as a nook, which will likely be a priority for groups preferring to not carry strictly return specialists on their roster. He’s athletic and easy with fluidity to show, reduce or wiggle with out shedding his pace. He’s been a house run hitter as a returner and he’s a professional risk to dam a kick and have to be accounted for. Groups could be clever to draft Williams with a late Day 3 choice and work out the place to play him in camp.

Spider graph for Williams as a common athlete (observe: he’s solely 5’8”, 187 kilos):

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