5 Eagles Whose Stock is Rising After OTAs
4. John Ross III, WR
Speaking of the wide receiver competition, John Ross III has thrown his hat into the ring with his OTA performance as well.
The lightning-quick wideout, whose combine-record 4.22 in the 40-yard dash was just beaten this year by Xavier Worthy, was brought in on a tryout basis during the team's rookie minicamp. Ross apparently impressed the coaching staff, as Philly opted to sign him following his audition.
With a chance to make his NFL return in hand, it's clear Ross is doing everything he can to not let this opportunity slip away. He's stood out immediately as OTAs began, using his speed -- which he believes is even better than before -- to get open and break off big gains.
Another #Eagles WR drill. John Ross is last in this video. He’s still fast, as you’ll see. pic.twitter.com/uXTeFmVfTR
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) May 30, 2024
John Ross thinks he faster than when he was at the combine.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) May 30, 2024
Not faster than 4.22, but more consistent. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/eELVclpmgQ
His play even received some praise from WRs coach Aaron Moorehead, which is a good sign for the vet as he tries to complete his NFL comeback.
John Ross finding ways to get open in this OTA practice.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) May 30, 2024
Parris Campbell and WR coach Aaron Moorehead give him some compliments after a catch. #Eagles
Ross isn't just all speed, though. He also showed off his football iQ during one session by working "his way open on the sideline, coming back to help his quarterback when Pickett had to scramble" and securing a catch in bounds, according to Ed Kracz of SI.
With Ross flashing his talents again, Philadelphia's WR3 competition just got a whole lot more interesting heading into training camp.
5. EJ Jenkins, TE
Tight end is another area where the Eagles could use a supporting player to step up. Dallas Goedert is the obvious top dog here, and the recently signed C.J. Uzomah has been brought in as his backup, but the team needs a No. 3 to emerge.
Well, it turns out second-year TE EJ Jenkins might be the man for the job. A towering presence at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds, Jenkins has used his size to his advantage during practices.
Tight end E.J. Jenkins is making an impression. He had some nice plays, including a back shoulder catch along sidelined from Pickett and a leaping grab over the middle moments later.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) May 30, 2024
Jenkins (6-6, 245) is a former UDFA and second-year player out of Georgia Tech.
NBC Sports Philadelphia's Dave Zangaro said Jenkins had the "offensive play of the day" early in OTAs when he skied over rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. for a ball down the middle. He pulled off a similar play a week later, this time going over Andre' Sam, which apparently caused a "loud ovation" on the sideline, according to CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr.
Jenkins is far from the only one vying for TE3 gig, as holdovers Grant Calcaterra and Albert Okwuegbunam are also in the hunt and had their own moments during OTAs. However, the fact neither player has been able to carve out a clear role during their time in Philadelphia sets the stage for a newer threat like Jenkins to seize this job if he keeps this play up.
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