The Philadelphia Eagles have a knack for unearthing hidden gems, and their latest offseason moves prove they’re at it again. Under the watchful eye of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, the Eagles have turned undrafted free agents (UDFAs) into cornerstone players, with Jordan Mailata as the poster child for their success. This year, they might have just found their next breakout star—someone no one saw coming.
Jeff Stoutland: The Architect of Unlikely Heroes
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73899319/usa_today_25380533.0.jpg)
Widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier offensive line coaches, Jeff Stoutland has a reputation for transforming raw talent into polished performers. His track record speaks for itself: Lane Johnson, a first-round pick, became an All-Pro under his guidance, but it’s Stoutland’s work with UDFAs that truly sets him apart. From Corey Clement to T.J. Edwards, Boston Scott, and Reed Blankenship, Stoutland and the Eagles’ coaching staff have a history of finding diamonds in the rough. But no story shines brighter than that of Jordan Mailata.
From Rugby to NFL Royalty
Jordan Mailata’s journey is the stuff of legend. A former Australian rugby player with zero football experience, Mailata was a seventh-round pick in 2018, selected more for his physical potential than any proven skill. At 6-foot-8 and 365 pounds, he was a mountain of a man, but raw as they come. Many doubted he’d ever see the field. Enter Jeff Stoutland. With meticulous coaching and unwavering belief, Stoutland molded Mailata into a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle. By 2021, Mailata signed a four-year, $64 million extension, cementing his place as a pillar of the Eagles’ offensive line. His rise from rugby obscurity to NFL stardom is a testament to Stoutland’s ability to see what others miss.
The 2025 Offseason: A New Crop of Talent
This offseason, the Eagles doubled down on their UDFA strategy, signing a slew of promising players after the 2025 NFL Draft. While none have Mailata’s exact profile, the team’s scouting department, led by GM Howie Roseman, has a keen eye for talent that fits Stoutland’s system. Names like Anim Dankwah, a towering tackle from Howard University, and Gottlieb Ayedze, a versatile lineman from Maryland, are already generating buzz. Dankwah, at 6-foot-8 and 350 pounds, echoes Mailata’s physicality, while Ayedze’s agility and football IQ make him a potential steal. Both are projects, but with Stoutland’s track record, they’re in the right hands.
Why the Eagles Excel at Finding UDFAs
The Eagles’ success with UDFAs isn’t just luck—it’s a system. Roseman’s scouting team prioritizes players with high upside, even if they lack polish. Stoutland’s coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals, work ethic, and adaptability, allowing him to unlock potential in players others overlook. The team’s culture also plays a role. Veterans like Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce (before his retirement) have set a standard of excellence, creating an environment where young players can thrive. Add in Philadelphia’s passionate fanbase, and UDFAs have every incentive to prove themselves.
The Next Big Thing?
While it’s too early to crown anyone the next Mailata, the Eagles’ 2025 UDFA class has the potential to produce another star. Dankwah, in particular, has caught Stoutland’s eye with his raw power and willingness to learn. Ayedze, meanwhile, has shown flashes of versatility that could see him compete for a swing tackle role. If history is any indication, one of these under-the-radar signings could be anchoring the Eagles’ line—or making game-changing plays—by 2026.
A Legacy of Finding the Unseen
The Eagles’ ability to turn UDFAs into contributors is no fluke. It’s a combination of elite coaching, savvy scouting, and a culture that breeds success. Jeff Stoutland’s work with Jordan Mailata showed the NFL what’s possible when you bet on potential. Now, with a new batch of UDFAs ready to prove themselves, Philadelphia might have just found the missing piece to their Super Bowl puzzle—and no one saw it coming.