Eagles rookie camp invites New Jersey HS Grad with Philly sports ties

The Philadelphia Eagles received rave reviews from many football analysts because of the moves they made during the three days of the 2026 NFL Draft. The additions of a top-rated Wide Receiver prospect (Makai Lemon), a super athletic Tight End (Eli Stowers), and trading for a veteran Edge Rusher (Jonathan Greenard) all addressed needs for the team ahead of the 2026 season.

But a month before veteran players are required to be in Philadelphia for Mandatory Minicamp (June 9-10), the Eagles will get their first look at the new guys during rookie minicamp (May 2-3). This is an important jumpstart to these young players' professional futures.

This is also the first opportunity for the Eagles coaches to start working with Undrafted Free Agents, not just the players the team selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. In recent years, UDFA players have earned spots on Philadelphia's roster despite the odds against them:

*TJ Edwards (2019)
*Jack Stoll (2021)
*Reed Blankenship (2022)
*Britain Covey (2022)
*Darius Cooper (2025)

This Former Philly Sports Star's Son Invited To Eagles Rookie Mini Camp

Philadelphia has reportedly signed nine Undrafted Free Agents and invited six other players to Eagles' Rookie Minicamp. One of those players has ties to Philadelphia Sports History.

Declan Williams attended the University of Rhode Island before transferring to play Linebacker over the last two seasons at the University of Incarnate Word located in San Antonio, Texas. Playing at the FCS level of College Football, IW Cardinals Football team has consistently been a contender in the Southland Conference.

Williams is a graduate of Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, New Jersey, and is the son of former Phillies Closer Mitch Williams. Compiling 102 Saves in three seasons, the man nicknamed "Wild Thing" was a key player for the 1993 Phillies that reached the World Series.

But Williams was also vilified by Philly Sports Fans for giving up the World Series winning Home Run to the Toronto Blue Jays Slugger Joe Carter. Seven years later, Williams returned to the Philadelphia region as a member of the Atlantic City Surf in the Atlantic League (independent baseball). He initially was a pitcher in 2001 before transitioning to Pitching Coach and later Manager for the 2002 and 2003 seasons.

Now, 23 years later, Williams' son will get the opportunity to make his own impact on the Philadelphia Sports scene. Eagles Rookie Mini Camp is scheduled to take place from May 2-3, and Declan Williams will get his chance to show the coaches what he can do as a Football player. Williams played 26 games at Linebacker for Incarnate Word over the last two seasons.