Ricky Foley could be the last BC Lion-turned-Eagle.


When Cameron Wake left the CFL's BC Lions last season to become a member of the Miami Dolphins, Ricky Foley stepped in and took his place. In his first season taking over for Wake, Foley racked up a league-leading 12 sacks and now has his sights set on the NFL as well.

Adam Caplan of Scouts.com reports that the Eagles worked out Foley on Thursday.

Whether or not he has the speed to play in the NFL is yet to be determined, but Caplan believes that Foley has what it takes to play in the NFL.

"Foley is seen by personnel evaluators as an undersized edge rusher with decent speed, but has a good motor," Caplan wrote. "A source said his skills are a bit raw, but has enough talent to play in the NFL."

Foley was the fourth overall selection in the CFL draft back in 2006 and this past season has earned the CFL's "Most Outstanding Canadian" award, which is awarded to the league's best Canadian-born player.

Foley is drawing some real interest around the league other than the Eagles. The Packers, Rams, Jets, and Patriots have also worked out the CFL standout, but none have offered him a contract as far as we know.

Foley was in the NFL a couple years ago with the Baltimore Ravens, but didn't appear in any games and was never active.

Reid likes to take on projects like this, as evidenced by his picked of Martell Mallett, also of the BC Lions. If Sean McDermott feels like he can work with Foley then it's certainly possible that Foley is an Eagle by the end of the day.
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Mallett is a no-risk, all-reward move for the Birds.


With Brian Westbrook retiring (maybe), the Eagles will need another running back to put behind LeSean McCoy, and to challenge Eldra Buckley for the backup job.

The Eagles are known for their wide-reaching scouting program, signing players from Mexico and Australia, for instance, so it's not surprising that they would jump at the chance to sign the CFL's Rookie of the Year, running back Martell Mallet.

Mallett played college ball at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a Division I-AA school, so it's not exactly shocking that the NFL didn't take notice coming out of college. The CFL apparently did, however, and it has earned him a spot in the NFL after a one-year detour.

During his one season with the BC Lions, Mallett rushed for 1,280 yards and six touchdowns on 214 carries (5.8 yards per carry). He also caught 43 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns.

So what does this mean for the Eagles? Well, it doesn't necessarily mean anything. There's no chance that he makes this team, or any team in the NFL for that matter. However, by getting him signed on early it gives him time to learn the offense and be ready for May when the team reconvenes after the draft.

The level of competition in the CFL obviously isn't what it is in the NFL, but that kind of production at any professional level, and as a rookie, is very impressive. The upside for this kid is that if he doesn't stick in the NFL, he would obviously be welcomed back to the CFL.
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