Michigan State football: Ben VanSumeren signs with Philadelphia Eagles
Another Michigan State football player is headed to the NFL following the draft as Ben VanSumeren unfortunately didn’t hear his name called as expected, but he’s signing with one of the best teams in the league.
Shortly after the draft, it was reported that VanSumeren was signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent.
Although he was expecting to hear his name called during the draft process because of an all-time great Pro Day in East Lansing, Philadelphia is a good spot for the Spartan linebacker.
#MichiganState LB Ben VanSumeren is signing with the Philadelphia Eagles.
— Justin Thind (@JustinThind) April 30, 2023
The 6-foot-3, 237lb freak athlete posted a 42.5-inch vertical leap, 29 reps on the bench, and a 10’11” broad jump.
His 4.40s 40-yard dash would‘be been the 2nd-fastest among LBs at the Combine.
VanSumeren is joining a loaded defense and he’ll have a shot to make the 53-man roster this fall if that world-class athleticism can translate on the field at the next level. He already has great lateral quickness and strength to fight off blockers, but he just needs to show that he can do that consistently in live action.
I like VanSumeren’s chances to, at the very least, stick with the Eagles via the practice squad and get called up if an injury happens at linebacker.
Michigan State football has had recent luck with UDFA linebackers
A couple of recent undrafted free agent linebackers from Michigan State have caught on with NFL teams as Andrew Dowell is currently on the Saints and Joe Bachie is still with the Bengals.
It just feels like VanSumeren has the physical tools to be the next undrafted Spartan linebacker to catch on in the NFL and carve out a nice career.
VanSumeren was one of the first Spartans to get signed to an undrafted free agent deal following the draft.
Next. Projected starting 5 with Malik Hall back. dark