Former Wisconsin Badger RB Corey Clement earned a place on the Philadelphia Eagles roster. Clement made the Eagles despite being undrafted and facing a crowded backfield.
Corey Clement was not picked in the seven rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft. So he moved back closer to home and tried to earn an NFL roster spot with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Clement received no news, which was good news over the weekend. He successfully went from undrafted free agent to the final 53 of an NFL roster.
The Eagles decided to keep the former Badger after a strong preseason. Frankly, the Eagles got a gift in acquiring the talented Clement without using a draft pick.
Just look at his 2016 Big Ten numbers:
- 3rd in the Big Ten in rushing with 1,375
- 1st in the Big Ten in rushing attempts with 314
- 9th in the BIg Ten in scoring (3rd in TDs) with 15 TDs
- 5th in the Big Ten in All Purpose Yards with 1,539 total yards
Related Story: Corey Clement Continues Roster Push for Eagles
Yet a poor showing at the NFL Combine sunk his draft stock. A historically strong crop of RB also didn’t help. In total, 30 RB were picked in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Clement was the 24th leading rusher in the NFL during the preseason. However, he had little work in the final preseason game (only four total carries) which was a strong signal he had done enough. He finished the exhibition slate with 28 carries for 105 yards and a pair of TDs.
Cutdown days was far from kind for Wisconsin Football alums in general.
#Badgers in NFL cuts: Tyler Marz (Titans), Joel Stave (Chiefs), Austin Traylor (Broncos), Dez Southward (Panthers), Kraig Urbik (Dolphins).
— Tom Oates (@TomOatesWSJ) September 3, 2017
So Clement stood out as some good news in a tough day for Badger players around the NFL. Given that the Eagles still have Darren Sproles and rookie DJ Pumphrey on the roster, it’s unlikely Clement will every return punts or kicks.
However, he still can find work as a power back and ready replacement if 250-pound starter LeGarrette Blount gets hurt. At 220 pounds, he is easily the 2nd biggest back on the Eagle roster.
God is good. From undrafted to a 53 man roster spot ! #FlyEaglesFly
— Corey Clement (@CoreyClement_6) September 2, 2017
Of note, the Eagles were 10th in the NFL in rushing attempts in 2016 (438) as they looked to take pressure off rookie QB Carson Wentz.
Next: Week One Red Flags for Wisconsin Football
Moving forward, it is possible Clement may find himself a healthy scratch on game days. But just surviving the roster cut from 90 to 53 is impressive. Now he just has to stay there.