3 Surprise Rookies Who Could Make Eagles' 53-Man Roster
After months of free agent and draft discussion, the NFL offseason has finally reached training camp. While the Philadelphia Eagles' sessions haven't begun yet, fans won't have to wait much longer for some action as rookies and veterans are set to report to camp beginning on Tuesday, July 23.
Eagles fans already know what they're getting when it comes to returning veterans, which is why a lot of Philly fanatics are focused on the incoming rookie class. Highly-touted prospects like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean won't have to worry about their roster spots, however, other first-year pros must work harder to crack the 53-man unit.
Some newcomers will fail while others will thrive under the bright lights. With that in mind, let's look at a trio of Eagles rookies who could shockingly make next season's 53-man roster.
1. Johnny Wilson, WR
The Eagles have one of the most dangerous attacks in the league, featuring a aerial also that's led by wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The duo formed one of the most lethal tandems last season as they combined for 187 catches, 2,522 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Philadelphia didn't get much production from its WR room beyond Brown and Smith. After all, Olamide Zaccheaus was the next most productive wideout in the mix with 164 yards and two TDs on 10 receptions. The lack of production forced the Eagles to add veteran Parris Campbell and rookie Ainias Smith this offseason, as well as first-year wideout Johnny Wilson.
Philly added Wilson with the 185th-overall pick in April. After two uneventful years at Arizona State, the 6-foot-7 playmaker finally took his game to another level playing for Florida State the last two years. He made 23 appearances during that stretch, hauling in 84 receptions for 1,514 yards and seven TDs.
More evidence keeps stacking up in the “Johnny Wilson makes the toughest catches most consistently” case.
— Curt Weiler (@CurtMWeiler) October 8, 2023
Hardly an easy grab here on a low, slightly-behind ball here and Wilson makes it look easy for his long-awaited first TD of the season. pic.twitter.com/AdfRzQhdfK
With Brown, Smith, and Campbell likely occupying the top three WR spots, the door is wide open for Wilson to grab one of the remaining jobs. He's left to compete with fellow rookies and bubble veterans for the WR4-6 spots and it's hard not to like his odds given his physical and athletic traits.
Whether it's as a slot receiver or if he's converted into a tight end one day, Wilson has the tools to be a big player for the Eagles as soon as this fall.