Surprise Playmaker Possibly Leading Key Eagles Position Battle
The annual Philadelphia Eagles training camp is in full swing as the team vigorously prepares for the 2024 NFL season. As usual, the intensity of training camp has produced several position battles, including one that has the Eagles looking to see who'll emerge as the No. 3 wide receiver on the depth chart.
Superstar wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith sit atop of the WR chart, however, the list is fluid beyond the duo. Veterans like Parris Campbell and John Ross were added through free agency while rookies Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson hope to surprise the coaching staff in their first taste of NFL action.
But while some of the recently added pass-catchers are solid enough to steal some targets next year, one surprising individual has emerged as a candidate for the WR3 role.
Eagles News: Britain Covey Leading WR3 Position Battle
Following Monday's practice, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was asked about the team's WR3 competition. The 43-year-old bench boss had compliments ready for the entire WR room, however, CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr reports that Sirianni went out of his way to specifically praise Britain Covey for his strong camp.
Nick Sirianni mentioned all the WR even asked about WR3, but specifically pointed out Britain Covey had a nice camp.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 29, 2024
Covey had a good practice on Saturday. #Eagles
Sirianni's kind words aren't surprising given the camp that Covey has had. The former Utah Ute has been doing everything right this summer, which includes making an impressive contested catch against 2024 first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell over the weekend.
Britain Covey with the catch of the day.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 27, 2024
Basket catch over Quinyon Mitchell, who had him covered well. Kenny Pickett dropped the pass where only Covey could get it.
Covey wants to show he can play WR this summer. #Eagles
Covey, 27, has been an integral part of Philadelphia's special teams ever since he joined the franchise in 2022. He cemented himself as one of the NFL's top return specialists last year as he turned 29 punt returns into a league-leading 417 yards. His 14.4 yards per return was a major increase over his first-year mark (9.3).
Covey underwent a minor knee procedure to begin the offseason, however, it's clear that it isn't holding him back at camp. Avoiding any regressions will be key to him potentially earning a bigger role with the team.
Having said that, it'll be fascinating to see how Covey does if the Eagles use him more as a receiver. Even though he's spent the last two seasons in Philly, the Provo, UT native has only played 77 offensive snaps, resulting in four catches for 42 receiving yards and a pair of first downs.
But even if he doesn't have a ton of NFL receiving experience, the Eagles might not have much of a choice but to see how Covey performs. While Brown and Smith combined for over 2,500 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, Philadelphia didn't have any other WRs who hit the 200-yard mark.
Hopefully, Covey's training camp success will lead to regular-season results. The former undrafted returner was a decent pass-catcher during his time with the Utes, turning 184 receptions into 2,011 yards with 11 TDs.
A breakout performance from Covey would go a long way in helping the Eagles return to championship glory. DraftKings Sportsbook currently has Philadelphia tied for the sixth-best Super Bowl LIX odds.
In other Eagles news:
feed