Eagles Rookie Profile: 6 things to know about Julian Good-Jones

The Philadelphia Eagles signed undrafted rookie free agent offensive lineman Julian Good-Jones following the 2020 NFL Draft. In order to learn more about him, I reached out to SB Nation’s Iowa State blog: Wide Right & Natty Lite. Cyclones writer Matthias Schwartzkopf was kind enough to answer my questions.

1) Can you recap his college career?

Julian started his career quickly at center. In a time where Iowa State was struggling to put together quality offensive line play. He then would move to left tackle to play his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. He was able to hold down the fort and give Matt Campbell options while he recruited and retooled the offensive line. He was a guy that never made a horrific mistake and was just solid. He did find his way on to a couple of All Big 12 honorable mention lists in 2017 and 2018. He was also named first team All Big 12 in 2019z

2) What are his strengths?

Durability I would say is the biggest one here. He started every game that he played. The only game he didn’t play was the first game his freshman year. If you’re expecting your offensive lineman to be available every game Julian has shown that capacity.

Versatility is another. Playing both center and tackle and I’m sure a move to guard if need be is right in his wheelhouse.

3) What are his weaknesses?

Impact blocking. This is something that Iowa State has struggled for the last four years. While Julian is good enough to hold blocks for a few seconds, his lack of power and blowing people off the ball seems to be an issue. If you’re looking for a road grader of an offensive lineman he’s not going to give you that. He’s basically going to be a body that holds a block but not move people in an explosive way.

4) Are you surprised he went undrafted?

Not at all. He’s just not a guy that would jump off the tape at a scout. Especially with the COVID situation not allowing a PTO day or workouts, his evaluations were probably primarily all of tape. That probably kept him solidly in the undrafted area.

5) How do you see his NFL career playing out?

Unless the Eagles can catch lightning in a bottle I’m not sure what he adds other than a depth piece or development option off the practice squad for a team. We have been wrong before and guys like Julian have been a cheap and serviceable option to plug holes on offensive lines. I’m not overly optimistic on the length of his career but let’s wait and see. Anything can happen.

6) Anything to know about him off the field?

Not one thing.

BLG’s take: The Eagles paid JGJ the 11th highest guarantee out of their 13 UDFA signings. They’re also officially listing him at guard despite his previous tackle and center experience. JGJ is likely competing for a practice squad spot at best. He might not even be able to get that job with the likes of Nate Herbig, Sua Opeta, and Luke Juriga potentially ahead of him. But we’ll see if Jeff Stoutland can work some magic.