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NFL Draft 2017: Top 10 early entrants who didn’t get drafted

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Travis Rudolph (15) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Travis Rudolph (15) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans (4) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans (4) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Signed by: Philadelphia Eagles

How did teams looking for a late-round quarterback pass up on a guy like Jerod Evans from Virginia Tech? He accounted for nearly 4,500 yards of total offense in 2016 to go along with 41 total touchdowns.

Evans was criticized for being a run-first quarterback. No, he wouldn’t drop back with no intention to pass the ball, but if his first read wasn’t open, he would often decide to use his legs, rather than his strong arm, to move the ball. Field vision and patience isn’t something teams can teach and that’s why he was likely passed on.

However, the Eagles figured that he was worth at least a spot as an undrafted free agent and why not let him work his way up the depth chart? He has the talent and he proved that at Virginia Tech last season as a JUCO transfer.

The Dallas-native had an impressive 2016 season for the rising Hokies, passing for 3,552 yards and 29 touchdowns with just eight interceptions. He completed nearly 64 percent of his throws and proved that accuracy is not an issue. He also ran for 846 yards and 12 scores.

Although his numbers prove he’s not necessarily run-first, he does need to develop more patience in the pocket and utilize the talent in that arm of his.

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