In the spirit of AlecTheMan's great article on rookie fullback Marcus Mailei, I'm going to take advantage of a lull in the offseason and examine some of our lesser-known rookies: the RFA's. The release of DT Trevor Jenkins, RB Walter Mendenhall, QB Adam DiMichele, and K Sam Swank has left us with eight undrafted rookies on our roster, all fighting for their shot at the NFL. Some might make a splash in training camp and earn a preseason roster spot, some might even impress enough in preseason to merit a spot on the practice squad. And hey, you never know, we might just have a diamond in the rough that makes the opening day roster. Here is what we have to work with:

Josh Gaines - DE

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 274

Age: 24

Analysis:

Gaines is a ferocious lineman out of Penn State with a hard-working attitude. Unfortunately, his small size has caused many coaches to overlook him, leading to his RFA status. Although he might not have the speed and block shedding ability it takes to be an every-down end, his strength and good work ethic just might be enough to land him a position somewhere.

Projection:

Gaines faces an uphill battle for the starting roster with five of our presumed six DE positions already locked in. However, his only competition for that final spot is second-year player Bryan Smith. Since Smith did not play at all last year, Gaines might just have a chance to beat him out for the sixth position if he impresses the coaches enough. Expect Gaines to make the 65-man preseason roster, and give Smith a run for his money.

Jervonte Jackson - DT

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 300

Age: 22

Analysis:

The brother of Eagles' center Jamaal Jackson, Jervonte comes to us from Florida Atlantic University, where he registered 153 tackles and 7.5 sacks during his four-year career. He was also named a first-team All-Sun Belt selection as a senior after posting 41 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Projection:

After the release of Trevor Jenkins, Jamaal's little brother will have a bit of breathing room going into training camp. Newly-converted (for the umpteenth time) DT Dan Klecko will provide stiff competition, but Jervonte should be able to give him a run for his money with his leadership skills and his ability to get to the quarterback. Since Andy Reid loves to keep reserve linemen on the practice squad, Jackson will likely have a good shot to make it there if he doesn't earn a spot on the active roster.

Reshard Langford - S

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 213

Age: 23

Analysis:

Langford is a hard-hitting safety out of Vanderbit, where he was a four-year starter with 11 career interceptions. He is quick up the field in run defense, squares into ball carriers and wraps up tackling. Aggressive, he voluntarily throws his pads into the action, and works hard to make plays. He also helps out on coverage units as a special teams player, a valuable trait in any backup. At 6'1" he is tied for our largest safety with Sean Jones.

Projection:

Could he be this year's Quintin Mikell? It's a long shot. Langford will have to fight Rashad Baker, Demps/Jones, CFL star Byron Parker, and probably even Macho Harris is he wants to earn a backup safety position. His special teams play will be a huge factor in determining the outcome, but it is likely that he will only make the preseason roster.

Marcus Mailei - FB

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 255

Age: 22

Analysis:

Pretty much everything you need to know about Mailei can be found here. While his carrying skills are not the greatest, Mailei can be a fantastic lead blocker, a solid receiver, and fierce special teams player.

Projection:

Again, special teams play is the key to making the roster as a backup. However, with Leonard Weaver around, it is extremely unlikely that the Eagles will keep two fullbacks on their active roster again. Barring an injury (god forbid), Mailei will be a strong candidate for the practice squad.

Dallas Reynolds - OG

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 314

Age: 25

Analysis:

Reynolds is a strong, stout blocker out of BYU who comes off an outstanding season after moving to the center position. Plays with good lean, effectively fights with his hands, and strong in his upper body. Stays square, blocks with leverage, and controls opponents at the point of attack. Solid position blocker who effectively seals open holes in the middle of the line. Terrific with a shotgun snap, as the ball quickly gets back into the quarterback's hands. Effectively quarterbacks the offensive line, and makes the calls. Displays terrific quickness in his all-around game. Keeps his head on a swivel, and works well with teammates. Plays with a nasty attitude and blocks down well on defenders.

Projection:

The Eagles actually don't have an official center on their roster behind Jamaal Jackson. Nick Cole does a fine job with any backup position, but he is officially listed as a guard. So, Reynolds might be able to slip into the final roster with his leadership and great snapping abilities. He'll have to fight against the likes of King Dunlap, Mike McGlynn, Mike Gibson, Winston Justice, and Chris Patrick though, so if he doesn't make the team, expect to see his name on the practice squad come September. Andy Reid loves keeping extra linemen in reserve, and especially will after the fiasco involving Shawn Andrews and Max Jean-Gilles last season. Interesting Sidenote: Although he swears it doesn't mean anything, Dave Spadaro has put Dallas Reynolds on his "Unofficial Depth Chart" as the #3 center behind Nick Cole.

Brandon Robinson - WR

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 192

Age: 23

Analysis:

From the Boston Eagles to the Philadelphia Eagles comes WR Brandon Robinson. During his 4-year college career, he posted 141 receptions, 2,023 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning All-ACC honorable mention honors in his junior season. Attended Breck School in Minneapolis, MN, where he earned All-America and Minnesota Prep Player of the Year honors in 2003. He recorded three touchdown catches, a punt return touchdown and a 32-yard field goal in his final high school game.

Projection:

Robinson's versatility will be an asset he can build upon, but don't expect that to take him to the NFL. The WR and return man positions are extremely crowded right now, and Robinson will have to fight to make the preseason roster, let alone the practice squad.

Courtney Robinson - CB

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 200

Age: 22

Analysis:

Robinson is a feisty and fundamentally sound cornerback out of Massachusetts with a good head for the game. Jams opponents at the line of scrimmage, slowing their release off the snap, fluid transitioning to run downfield, and does a nice job getting his head back around and locating the pass in coverage. Aggressive, gets after opponents and wraps up tackling. Quick up the field to defend running plays or screen passes. Runs well laterally with opponents, and does a nice job positioning himself to defend the throw. Good for dime packages and can also return kicks.

Projection:

Robinson faces a very crowded position at cornerback. With the top four spots already assigned to Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, Ellis Hobbs, and Joselio Hanson, Robinson will have to battle Jack Ikegwuonu, Dimitri Patterson, Trae Williams, and possibly Macho Harris for the fifth cornerback slot. While his return abilities set him apart from the rest of the pack, the Eagles already have a pretty stacked return game as well. Don't expect Robinson to make it to the preseason roster.

Marcus Thigpen - WR

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 193

Age: 23

Analysis:

Tiny Marcus Thigpen (no relation to the Chiefs' QB Tyler Thigpen) is a recently converted halfback out of Indiana. He is a quick footed ball carrier who displays outstanding open field running skills. Patient, waits for blocks to develop, and quickly finds the hole. Elusive, creates his own yardage, and makes defenders miss. Runs low to the ground, plays with excellent balance, and shows a burst of speed. Easily turns the corner, uses blocks everywhere on the field, and shows toughness in his all-around game. Consistently gives his offense good field position with long kick returns.

Projection:

Again, Thigpen faces a very crowded position at wide receiver. With the top spots all but guaranteed to DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Jeremy Maclin, and Jason Avant, he'll have to face Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, Shaheer McBride, Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson,  and Brandon Robinson if he wants to make the final roster. Not likely. Even though he brings return skills to the table, as previously mentioned, the Eagles are stacked in that area. Don't expect him to make it past the first round of cuts.