The Philadelphia Eagles have plenty of depth battling for a spot on the initial 53-man roster. One particular UDFA is making a strong case to stick around come week one.
Kapena Gushiken entered Eagles training camp as their biggest UDFA signing. He received the most guaranteed money out of all of their undrafted players. Now, the versatile defensive back is showing why.
Gushiken has stood out during Eagles training camp, proving to be one of the most dynamic DBs on the roster. He is making it very difficult to leave him off the roster, especially considering the uncertainty at the safety position.
The Eagles preseason is not over, and Gushiken still has more to prove. Still, he has already made a strong case for making the Eagles’ 53-man roster.
Gushiken, nicknamed “Gush”, spent his first two seasons in college with Washington State before transferring to Ole Miss for his third and final college season. He signed a UDFA contract with Philadelphia soon after the draft concluded, receiving $272,500 guaranteed.
Gushiken is undersized, likely the reason he was not drafted. He stands at 5’9 and 189 pounds. This may be concerning for a player at the defensive back position, but he makes up for it with his incredible athleticism.
Gushiken put on a show during Ole Miss’ pro day.
| Vert | Broad | 40-yd | Bench |
| 41” | 11’ | 4.35 | 17 |
This is the type of athleticism that should be targeted during undrafted free agency. That is exactly what Howie Roseman did, and he may have found a good one.
Gushiken is able to play cornerback and safety, some important versatility that will increase his chances of making the Eagles’ 53-man roster.
Gushiken has an easier path to making the Eagles roster than any other UDFA due to the wide open battle at safety. There is absolutely no one safe in the battle to start across from Andrew Mukuba.
Michael Carter is currently viewed as the most likely candidate to start, but he’s not a natural safety. He’s making the switch from nickel to safety during training camp with hopes of sticking on the roster.
Marcus Epps provides a decent veteran presence at the back of the defense, but his ceiling is capped. You aren’t going to get anything crazy if he’s your starter; he’s going to give you decent play with nothing special. In other words, he’s a perfect backup.
Gushiken may not have a legitimate chance at starting come week one, but he should definitely make the roster. If he does do that, he may find himself playing a major role sooner rather than later if he can keep up his training camp success.
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