Ben VanSumeren: How the Eagles' Undrafted Linebacker Steps Up Amid Shipley Injury

Sep 05, 2025

Ben VanSumeren: An Opportunity Arises in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles' linebacker corps finds itself in a state of flux heading into the 2024 season. While established veterans like Nakobe Dean are expected to lead the way, unexpected challenges have emerged, creating an opportunity for players like Ben VanSumeren, an undrafted free agent from Michigan State. The recent injury to veteran linebacker Camaron Cheeseman during training camp has amplified the need for depth and versatility, potentially accelerating VanSumeren's path to a roster spot. This article will delve into VanSumeren's skillset, analyze his potential fit within the Eagles' defensive scheme, and assess his chances of making the final 53-man roster amid the current circumstances.

The Impact of Camaron Cheeseman's Injury

Camaron Cheeseman, signed to provide veteran experience and special teams contributions, suffered a significant injury during training camp. While the exact nature and severity of the injury haven't been fully disclosed, his absence creates a void in the linebacker room. Cheeseman's role was projected to be primarily on special teams, but he also offered valuable depth and experience at the linebacker position, something that is incredibly important during the long NFL season. With Cheeseman sidelined, the Eagles now need to re-evaluate their linebacker depth and identify players who can step up and fill his role, both on defense and special teams. This situation directly benefits players like VanSumeren, who now have a clearer path to demonstrating their value to the coaching staff.

Who is Ben VanSumeren? A Profile of the Undrafted Linebacker

Ben VanSumeren is a 6'3", 235-pound linebacker who played college football at Michigan State University. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles shortly after the 2024 NFL Draft. While undrafted, VanSumeren possesses several traits that intrigue scouts and coaches:

Physicality: VanSumeren is known for his aggressive and physical style of play. He's a hard-hitting linebacker who isn't afraid to take on blockers or deliver punishing tackles.
Athleticism: He displays impressive athleticism for his size, showcasing good speed and agility. This allows him to cover ground quickly and make plays sideline-to-sideline.
Special Teams Potential: VanSumeren's athleticism and willingness to hit make him a valuable asset on special teams. He has experience playing on various special teams units and could quickly become a core contributor in that area.
Versatility: While primarily an inside linebacker, VanSumeren has demonstrated the ability to play multiple linebacker positions, adding to his overall value.

However, like most undrafted players, VanSumeren also has areas where he needs to improve:

Coverage Skills: His pass coverage skills are still developing. He needs to improve his ability to read routes, stay with receivers, and make plays on the ball.
Consistency: While he displays flashes of brilliance, VanSumeren needs to become more consistent in his performance. He needs to eliminate mental errors and improve his overall technique.
Reading Offenses: He needs to get better at reading offensive formations and anticipating plays. This will allow him to react more quickly and make more impactful plays.

VanSumeren's Fit in the Eagles' Defensive Scheme

The Philadelphia Eagles' defense, typically employing a 4-3 or a hybrid defensive scheme under Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio, places a premium on linebacker play. Linebackers are required to be versatile, capable of stopping the run, rushing the passer, and covering in space. VanSumeren's skill set aligns reasonably well with these requirements, especially his physicality and potential as a run-stopper. His ability to contribute on special teams is also highly valued by the Eagles coaching staff. His pre-snap recognition and overall understanding of the defensive play calling may still be a work in progress.

Fangio's defensive system often utilizes zone coverage, requiring linebackers to be disciplined in their zone drops and effective in reading quarterbacks' eyes. While VanSumeren's coverage skills are an area for improvement, he possesses the athleticism and work ethic to develop in this area. The Eagles' coaching staff will likely focus on refining his technique and improving his understanding of the defensive scheme during training camp and the preseason.

Analyzing the Eagles' Linebacker Depth Chart

Prior to Cheeseman's injury, the Eagles' linebacker depth chart looked something like this:

Nakobe Dean (Starter)
Devin White (Starter)
Oren Burks
Patrick Johnson
Camaron Cheeseman
Ben VanSumeren
(Other Undrafted Free Agents/Roster Hopefuls)

With Cheeseman sidelined, VanSumeren moves up a spot on the depth chart. This provides him with more opportunities to showcase his skills during practice and preseason games. He'll be competing with Oren Burks and Patrick Johnson for playing time, as well as any other undrafted free agents who are impressing the coaching staff.

Nakobe Dean and Devin White are expected to be the starting linebackers, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Oren Burks is a veteran player who provides valuable depth and experience. Patrick Johnson is primarily a special teams contributor, but he has also shown flashes of potential on defense. VanSumeren's path to making the roster likely hinges on his ability to outperform these players during training camp and the preseason.

VanSumeren's Key Strengths and Weaknesses: A Deeper Dive

To better understand VanSumeren's potential impact, let's examine his key strengths and weaknesses in more detail:

Strengths:

Explosive Hitter: VanSumeren is known for his hard-hitting ability. He delivers powerful blows and isn't afraid to mix it up with offensive players. This physicality is highly valued by the Eagles' coaching staff, who want their linebackers to be aggressive and set the tone on defense.
Good Speed and Agility: For his size, VanSumeren possesses impressive speed and agility. This allows him to cover ground quickly and make plays sideline-to-sideline. He can also be effective in blitzing situations, using his speed to pressure the quarterback.
Special Teams Prowess: VanSumeren's athleticism and willingness to hit make him a valuable asset on special teams. He has experience playing on various special teams units, including kickoff coverage, punt coverage, and punt return. This versatility significantly increases his chances of making the final roster.
High Motor: VanSumeren plays with a relentless motor. He never gives up on a play and is always hustling to the ball. This type of effort is contagious and can inspire his teammates.
Run-Stopping Ability: VanSumeren shows a good nose for the ball in run defense. He quickly diagnoses plays and fills gaps effectively.

Weaknesses:

Coverage Limitations: As mentioned earlier, VanSumeren's pass coverage skills are an area for improvement. He needs to become more comfortable in zone coverage and improve his ability to stay with receivers in man coverage.
Inconsistent Technique: VanSumeren sometimes struggles with inconsistent technique. He needs to refine his tackling form and improve his ability to shed blockers.
Decision-Making Under Pressure: VanSumeren's decision-making can be questionable at times, especially under pressure. He needs to learn to remain calm and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
Experience: As an undrafted free agent, VanSumeren lacks the experience of many of his competitors. He needs to quickly learn the Eagles' defensive scheme and prove that he can handle the complexities of the NFL game.
Play Recognition: Improving his ability to quickly and accurately read offensive plays is critical.

How VanSumeren Can Earn a Roster Spot

For Ben VanSumeren to secure a coveted spot on the Eagles' 53-man roster, he needs to excel in several key areas:

Dominate on Special Teams: This is arguably the most important factor. Undrafted players often make the roster based on their special teams contributions. VanSumeren needs to showcase his ability to be a valuable asset on multiple special teams units.
Impress in Preseason Games: Preseason games are crucial opportunities for undrafted players to prove their worth. VanSumeren needs to make impactful plays on defense and special teams during these games.
Demonstrate Improvement in Coverage: While he may not become a Pro Bowl-caliber coverage linebacker overnight, VanSumeren needs to show significant improvement in his coverage skills. He needs to demonstrate that he's coachable and willing to learn.
Master the Defensive Scheme: He must quickly grasp the nuances of the Eagles' defensive system, showcasing an understanding of play calls, formations, and responsibilities.
Outwork the Competition: VanSumeren needs to consistently outwork his competitors during practice and in the weight room. He needs to show the coaching staff that he's willing to put in the extra effort to improve his game.
Stay Healthy: Staying healthy is crucial for any player, but it's especially important for undrafted players who are trying to make a name for themselves. VanSumeren needs to take care of his body and avoid any unnecessary risks.

Analyzing VanSumeren's Preseason Performance: What to Watch For

During the Eagles' preseason games, several key aspects of VanSumeren's performance will be closely scrutinized:

Tackling Efficiency: How consistently does he make clean, effective tackles? Does he wrap up ball carriers or rely solely on hitting?
Coverage Assignments: How well does he execute his coverage assignments? Does he stay with his assigned receiver and make plays on the ball?
Special Teams Impact: How impactful is he on special teams? Does he make tackles, force turnovers, or contribute in other ways?
Play Recognition: How quickly does he diagnose plays and react accordingly? Does he anticipate the offense's movements or is he often a step behind?
Overall Effort: Does he play with a high motor and consistently hustle to the ball? Does he demonstrate a willingness to give maximum effort on every play?

The Special Teams Factor: A Critical Component for Undrafted Players

In the NFL, special teams play is often the proving ground for undrafted players. Coaches value players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game, and special teams provide an immediate opportunity for players to showcase their athleticism, toughness, and willingness to do the dirty work. VanSumeren's potential as a special teams contributor is one of his biggest assets. He has experience playing on various special teams units, and his physicality and athleticism make him well-suited for this role.

The Eagles have a history of valuing special teams play, and they often keep players on the roster specifically for their contributions in this area. If VanSumeren can excel on special teams, he'll significantly increase his chances of making the final roster. He'll need to demonstrate his ability to make tackles, force turnovers, and contribute in other ways on special teams. He'll also need to show that he's reliable and can be counted on to execute his assignments flawlessly.

The Competition: Who Stands in VanSumeren's Way?

While Cheeseman's injury opens a door, VanSumeren still faces stiff competition for a roster spot. He'll be competing against several other linebackers, including:

Oren Burks: A veteran linebacker with valuable experience, Burks is a solid all-around player who can contribute on both defense and special teams. He's likely ahead of VanSumeren on the depth chart, but VanSumeren could surpass him with a strong training camp and preseason.
Patrick Johnson: Primarily a special teams contributor, Johnson has also shown flashes of potential on defense. He's a tough and physical player who isn't afraid to hit. He'll be looking to solidify his roster spot with strong special teams play.
Other Undrafted Free Agents: The Eagles may have other undrafted free agents at the linebacker position who are also competing for a roster spot. VanSumeren needs to outperform these players to stand out.

Ultimately, VanSumeren's success will depend on his ability to outperform these players during training camp and the preseason. He needs to show the coaching staff that he's the best option to fill the role vacated by Cheeseman's injury.

Expert Analysis: Assessing VanSumeren's Chances

Based on his skillset, the current roster situation, and the Eagles' defensive scheme, Ben VanSumeren has a legitimate chance to make the final 53-man roster. However, it won't be easy. He needs to excel on special teams, demonstrate improvement in his coverage skills, and master the Eagles' defensive scheme. He also needs to stay healthy and outwork his competition.

The injury to Camaron Cheeseman has created an opportunity for VanSumeren, but he needs to seize it. He needs to approach training camp and the preseason with a sense of urgency and demonstrate to the coaching staff that he's ready to contribute. If he can do that, he could very well find himself on the Eagles' roster when the regular season begins.

Many analysts predict that VanSumeren will make the practice squad, providing valuable depth and an opportunity for further development. However, a strong showing during training camp and the preseason could elevate him to the active roster.

The Bottom Line: VanSumeren's Opportunity is Now

Ben VanSumeren faces a crucial juncture in his NFL journey. The injury to Camaron Cheeseman presents a significant opportunity for the undrafted linebacker to prove his worth to the Philadelphia Eagles. While competition remains fierce, VanSumeren possesses the physical tools, athleticism, and special teams potential to earn a roster spot.

His success hinges on several factors: excelling on special teams, showcasing improved coverage skills, mastering the defensive scheme, and consistently outworking his competitors. If VanSumeren can capitalize on these areas, he could become a valuable asset to the Eagles' defense and special teams units.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining VanSumeren's fate. As training camp progresses and preseason games unfold, all eyes will be on the undrafted linebacker as he strives to make his mark and solidify his place on the Eagles' roster. This is VanSumeren's chance to shine, and the Eagles' coaching staff will be watching closely to see if he can rise to the occasion.