The Philadelphia Eagles are matching up against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday in Week 2 of the preseason. After joint practicing against each other this week, it's time to get on the field for an actual game.
The Eagles don't plan on playing their starters in this contest, which gives backups the chance to stand out, and second-year WR Johnny Wilson is starting to pick up steam at the right time.
During Wednesday's practice, Wilson hauled in two deep go balls on passes from Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee. And that comes after a stellar preseason contest against the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 7.
Eagles WR Johnny Wilson Is Catching Fire
That’s 2 go-balls caught by Johnny Wilson early in practice.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) August 13, 2025
One from McKee in 7-on-7. Other from Hurts in 11-on-11. #Eagles
Cam Mitchell beat deep on a jump ball from Hurts to Johnny Wilson in 11s
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 13, 2025
In the contest against the Bengals last week, Wilson finished with three catches for 73 yards (24.3 average). His ability to stretch the field as a big-bodied pass-catcher is standing out.
This positive development is great for the Eagles' sake, and head coach Nick Sirianni shouted him out for his growth. Sirianni stated, "I think we're seeing him make some plays as a receiver now, expanding his role, and we'll see how that continues to go. But I think that's just a good example of what I talked about and then also just the patience of that. This league, sometimes we forget that it takes time to develop as a player, as a coach and all sorts of things. So I think we're continuing to see him grow.”
Philly's top three WRs are A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson, but besides those three guys, no one's spots are guaranteed.
The Eagles used a 2024 sixth-round pick on Wilson, but he struggled as a rookie, logging just five catches for 38 yards and one touchdown. While those stats weren't anything to jump for joy about, Philadelphia knew that Wilson still needed time to develop, and it's looking like things are beginning to click.
Being in an NFL program for a year now is leading to him playing more freely, instead of learning a new scheme/system. Wilson's size at 6-foot-6, 228 pounds is a major bonus for him. Having a receiver that big is a massive advantage for this team as a run blocker, but also a player who can bully opposing defenders for the ball.
The 24-year-old still has room to grow as a player, but stringing along good days is catching the attention of the coaches and fans.
If he continues to play this well and finishes the summer on a high note, there could be a world where he gets a role in this offense for the 2025 season.