The 2025 NFL Draft came to a close this past weekend, as only one UNC football player heard is name called.
While there were some notable Tar Heels who went undrafted, none were as prominent as EDGE Kaimon Rucker. As players from various programs quickly inked undrafted free agent deals (and rookie mini camp invitations) from respective NFL clubs, Rucker was one of the players who wasn't mentioned.
As baffling as that is, the wait is now over.
Former North Carolina star EDGE Kaimon Rucker has been visited to rookie minicamp with the #Eagles, a source tells @CBSSports/@247Sports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 30, 2025
Had career totals of 180 tackles, 38.5 tackles for loss and 22 sacks at UNC. pic.twitter.com/hq9OpTqtam
Matt Zenitz reported that Rucker was invited to the Philadelphia Eagles rookie minicamp. He will now look to prove that he at least deserves a contract to participate in the team's training camp leading up to the start of the 2025 season.
If it wasn't for a injury suffered from a cheap shot that came from an NC State player, Rucker likely would have heard his name called among the 2025 NFL Draft selections. However, it's possible that his injury derailed teams from taking a chance on him, which was simply a major mistake.
Rucker was an absolute force on the UNC football program's defensive line, recording 180 tackles, 38.5 tackles for loss, and 22 sacks during his time in Chapel Hill. A beast on the field and an excellent example of what a student-athlete should strive to be, Rucker will be remembered fondly for what he accomplished at North Carolina, but we're here to tell you that his story is far from over.
The Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl champions, are led by a fantastic front office group. Howie Roseman knows how to identify talent, which makes it not a surprise at all to see him bring in a guy like Rucker.
Of all the undrafted free agents across the league, don't be surprised if Kaimon Rucker is among the very few who earn a training camp spot with their respective team and ultimately battle their way onto the team's active roster.
In a few years, we'll all look back and say two things:
For starters, we'll ask why the league was so dumb to let Kaimon Rucker go undrafted.
Additionally, we'll give credit to the Eagles front office for pulling off an absolute steal in the undrafted free agent market.