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The Philadelphia Eagles signed undrafted rookie free agent defensive back Michael Jacquet following the 2020 NFL Draft. In order to learn more about him, I reached out to SB Nation’s blog that features Sun Belt Conference coverage: Underdog Dynasty. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns writer Matt Miguez was kind enough to answer my questions.
1) Can you recap his college career?
Mike’s college career can be best recapped as a gumbo pot. He spent his first two years as a receiver, with nearly 500 yards and 3 TDs in his first two seasons at Louisiana. When [new head coach] Billy Napier came aboard [in 2018], he made the switch to DB and was electric. 95 tackles, 4 INTs, and 18 passes deflected in his two years on the defensive side of the ball. If Mike showed Cajun Nation anything, it was that he can do whatever’s asked of him.
2) What are his strengths?
His strengths are his height and wingspan. As a defender, those are exceptional traits to have and he possesses it. He also have a quick first step and can use his strength to keep receivers at bay.
Michael Jacquet ULL CB has received multiple calls over last week. He is a Former WR
— NFL Draft Diamonds (@DraftDiamonds) April 18, 2020
6’1.5 195
82 1/8 wingspan
33 1/2 arm length
Longer wingspan by 4 inches than any DB at combine
These teams have called him:#DET #LAR #KC #CHI #HOU#LAC #SF #Raiders #SEA #PHI #ATL #DAL pic.twitter.com/bhiqf6w3ld
3) What are his weaknesses?
I think his biggest weakness was his inexperience at DB. I know that sounds like a cop out answer, but I can’t think of too many weaknesses Mike had. Had he been a DB for all four years at Louisiana, Mike would’ve been one of the best G5 DBs in the country.
4) Are you surprised he went undrafted?
Unfortunately, I’m not surprised he went undrafted, strictly because of his short sample size at DB. He would’ve been a Day 2 draft pick with four years of experience at DB.
5) How do you see his NFL career playing out?
I see his NFL career playing out as him being a valuable piece to any franchise. I think he will have a phenomenal career doing a little bit of everything: defense, special teams, maybe even some offense.
6) Anything to know about him off the field?
He was an excellent student. He always took care of his business in the classroom. Also, he was a top notch man. When you would see him around town or around campus, he’d always stop and have a conversation with you. Mike’s gonna be missed in Lafayette and I speak on behalf of Cajun Nation when I say we wish him nothing but the best. Geaux Cajuns! Fly Eagles Fly!
BLG’s take: Jacquet is tied with Grayland Arnold for the fourth highest guarantee money total out of the Eagles’ 13 UDFA signings. The Eagles did not have a draftable grade on Jacquet but there’s a sense he has some fans on the coaching staff. Jacquet’s inexperience works against him making the roster but he could be kept around on the practice squad. Could be an interesting developmental guy.
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