Osprey Tastes First String
There is a young man who some believe is a long shot to make the Philadelphia Eagles roster in 2015. Jerome "Osprey" Couplin plays safety, and he plays it well. Despite being undrafted, he stands 6' 2" tall, brings a load at 215 pounds. But his wingspan is 81 inches… and with his incredible jump he can time his leap to swat a ball 13 feet in the air away. He went undrafted in 2014, despite having a pro day with measurables which ended up at or better than the top prospects at the position.
What was the question? He went to William and Mary – where he did not face the nation's best. The competition question remained until the Detroit Lions took a chance at signing the young man and hiding him on their practice squad. Fortunately for Philadelphia, the Eagles noticed and signed him to their active 53 man roster.
The Safety Solution
When the Philadelphia Eagles failed to sign New England's free agent safety Devin McCourty, many targeted the position as a top need in the NFL 2015 draft – despite the lack of quality cover safeties. But the roster had a player signed late in 2014 off the Detroit Lions practice squad – a player whose size and reach lit up the imagination of head coach Chip Kelly – a coach who believes the right measurables with the right passion, training, and coaching – to a huge ceiling for the young man.
In the off-season, the team DID manage to sign the former Denver Broncos defensive backs coach, Cory Undlin. Undlin left the Broncos in much better shape defensively than he had found it. Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, his initial interviews indicated that defensive back positions would be earned – a Philadelphia trademark since Kelly had taken over.
When a young man works hard, plays with passion, and commits himself to the game that he loves, the only missing ingredient is that chance, that foot in the door. On Tuesday, June 16, that happened.
Marcus Smith and Jerome Couplin both getting reps with the first-team defense today.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) June 16, 2015
Yes, it's early. Yes it's no pads and workouts. But it's a sign that the coaches notice the effort, and want to see how he meshes with and against the best on the roster.
Despite the focus, the pressure, and working against an uphill battle, Couplin remains both realistic and optimistic. Best of all, he has time for fans.
@milroyigglesfan appreciate it!
— Jerome Couplin III (@WhenInRome14) June 17, 2015
If you are discouraged at the players who make millions and want more, at those who would rather sit it out than lend their leadership to others who are striving to earn their own spot on an NFL roster, perhaps you might keep the Osprey in mind.
He's been putting in the work. He's been following the passion of his life. Now, all he needs is the opportunity and the fans behind him. Philly has always rallied behind the guys who put in the effort, who earn their spot.
If his story doesn't win you over, that reach will. He reached all the way to Alaska and turned me into a fan. Keep an eye on this guy, he wants to be the Philadelphia Eagles starting safety…
He's on his way.
