Eagles sign former Bengals draft pick to practice squad

The Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent linebacker Deshaun Davis to their practice squad, according to an official announcement from the team. The Eagles had a vacancy after promoting Bruce Hector to the active roster earlier on Wednesday.

Davis, who turns 24 later this month, played college football for Auburn before being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The rookie had 12 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass defensed in the preseason before being waived in final cuts. The Bengals didn’t sign Davis to their practice squad; he instead ended up on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad for just a couple days. He’s been a free agent since early September.

The Eagles were in need of more linebacker depth after losing Kamu Grugier-Hill to a season-ending back injury. Adding Davis gives the Eagles a sixth practice body at the position behind the following rostered players: Nigel Bradham, Nathan Gerry, T.J. Edwards, Duke Riley, and Alex Singleton.

College highlights:

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

Slightly undersized inside linebacker whose strength and toughness might be overshadowed by his athletic and speed limitations. Davis loves to swap greetings as a downhill run defender, but when the play flows wide or when he’s forced to drop into space his effectiveness drops off sharply. With his limitations, his roster spot might be tied to scheme fit and special teams performance.

Spider graph via Mockdraftable:

Current Eagles practice squad

LB Deshaun Davis

TE Alex Ellis

WR Deontay Burnett

DT Albert Huggins

WR Marken Michel

CB Tremon Smith

C Keegan Render

RB De’Angelo Henderson

QB Kyle Lauletta

WR Marcus Green