Iowa football: Which UDFAs will make the active roster
By Andrew Wade
Keegan Render – Philadelphia Eagles
Like Reynolds, Keegan Render also has the best chances to make the 53-man roster come game day.
The three-year starter at center for the Iowa football team has the versatility to play guard if needed, and has a relatively easy path to make the team, all things considered.
The Philadelphia Eagles have a stud starting at center right now in Jason Kelce, but he is 31 and on the downside of his career. Behind him is Harvard graduate Anthony Fabiano who has played on seven different teams in four seasons in the NFL. He is also on a futures contract, meaning the Eagles do not have any sentimental attachment to him.
On the second string at the guard positions are veteran Stefen Wisniewski and 2018 sixth round draft pick Matt Pryor. Philadelphia declined Wisniewski’s option this offseason only to bring him back on a one-year deal while Pryor has not played a single down so far in his NFL career.
Render’s ability to play center, which is not easy to do in the NFL and his experience playing under Kirk Ferentz for the Iowa football program will help him drastically as will his ability to move over to guard if needed.
With a strong preseason, Render should have no problem making the Eagle’s roster.
Prediction: Render makes the 53-man roster.