Former Alabama, LSU CB Eli Ricks signing with NFL team after going undrafted

Former Alabama CB Eli Ricks has landed an NFL opportunity. Ricks is reportedly signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent.

A former 5-star recruit, Ricks began his career at LSU in 2020. After 2 seasons, he transferred to Alabama. Ricks declared for the 2023 NFL Draft after his junior season. He had up to 2 remaining seasons of college eligibility.

Philadelphia is signing Alabama CB Eli Ricks as a UDFA

? ZERO TDs allowed in coverage last season (233 coverage snaps) pic.twitter.com/Zv91cfvFDS

— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 29, 2023

AL.com’s Mike Rodak points out that this time last year Ricks was projected as a potential top-10 draft pick by ESPN’s Todd McShay.

Here was Todd McShay’s way-too-early 2023 mock draft from May 2022:

1. CJ Stroud
2. Bryce Young
3. Will Anderson
4. Jaxon Smith-Njigba
5. Jalen Carter
6. Anthony Richardson
7. Jordan Addison
8. Will Levis
9. Tyler Van Dyke
10. Eli Ricks

Ricks remains on the board at pick 251.

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) April 29, 2023

In his season with the Crimson Tide, Ricks played in 10 games, making 5 starts. He recorded 13 tackles, including a TFL, and 4 pass breakups in 2022.

It’s an uphill battle, but Ricks will have the chance to make an NFL roster after going undrafted. We’ll see how he does in camp with the Eagles.