Why Undrafted?: Josh Adams, RB, Notre Dame
By Charlie Campbell, @draftcampbell
Four years ago, we started a series of articles on why certain prospects went undrafted. In that series, I reach out to sources with NFL teams to find out why their organizations passed on drafting a given player, and/or, what were the reasons for other teams to pass on that prospect. We got a lot of positive reader feedback about the series, so we decided to expand in the genre to investigate why some prospects slid in the draft. Three years ago, we started the Why the Slide? series, and this year it is back. Feel free to email me requests for Why the Slide? and Why Undrafted? at [email protected]. I can’t promise to get to all of them, but I will do my best and definitely will respond to the email.
During the 2017 college football season, Notre Dame running back Josh Adams was discussed at times as a contender for the Heisman Trophy, which was valid praise as Adams was the engine of the Fighting Irish squad that went 10-3. Notre Dame had a tremendous rushing offense with a phenomenal offensive line and Adams carrying the rock as its feature back. Adams averaged 6.9 yards per carry in 2017 for 1,430 yards with nine touchdowns while the passing attack really struggled and teams sold out to stop the ground game. Adams was injured for a lot of the leadup to the 2018 NFL Draft, but he had a solid pro day workout. Surprisingly, Adams did not get selected and fell to the undrafted ranks.
Sources from multiple teams said that Adams went undrafted because of medical concerns. At his pro day, it was revealed that Adams had a foot injury that would require surgery. The surgery is said to have occurred after the pro day. Multiple evaluators said it was the foot injury, the surgery, and medical red flags caused Adams to not get selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.
After going undrafted, Adams signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, which was a solid choice. The Eagles are in need of a power back after losing LeGarrette Blount in free agency to the Lions. On top of needing a replacement to Blount, Philadelphia is happy to give undrafted players a fair shot and an opportunity to play, as evidenced by backup running back Corey Clement. Jay Ajayi has not been signed long term, and the Eagles passed on taking a starting running back in the first or second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Darren Sproles is also nearing the end of his career.
On the negative side, the Eagles have a lot of veteran competitors for Adams to beat out for a roster spot. Adams’ best shot at sticking with Philadelphia could come if he is able to make the practice squad and then climb his way up to the 53-man roster and earn more playing time. Adams has the physical talent to do it, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up being an excellent value for the Eagles as an undrafted free agent.
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