Eagles Forgotten Prospect Poised For Bigger Role In Jalen Hurts Attack

Ainias Smith is looking to make a major impact on the Philadelphia Eagles in Year 2.

The Philadelphia Eagles know precisely what they want to do on the offensive side of the ball. Not only do they have one of the best rushing units in the league, but the club also claims arguably the best receiving duo in the sport.

A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have helped the team reach the Super Bowl twice in the last three years. Both have been to the Pro Bowl, while Brown has earned All-Pro honors.

The duo is as good as it gets in the NFL.

But while the Eagles know how high-quality their stars are, they are hoping for further development from some younger players in that receivers room.

Enter Ainias Smith.

Smith, the Texas A&M product and fifth-round pick in 2024, rarely saw the field last year. In limited action, Smith caught seven passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Those stats came in the final game of the regular season when Philadelphia rested its starters. 

And yet ... forgotten though he was in the grand scheme of things, the Eagles think Smith showed the kind of potential they for in a late-round receiver.

So, what's next?

Speaking at his youth football camp in Houston, the 24-year-old believes he can find a more consistent role in Philly's offense in 2025.

"Since last year, I really didn't have the full offseason, but now I feel real good this year," Smith told KPRC2 TV. "I'm explosive. I'm lighter than I was last year, so I'm excited for sure. I lost a few pounds, for sure."

Smith - already smallish at 5-9 and 176 - has a long way to go to earn playing time for the defending champs.

But if he can build off his success from last year's season finale, there may be a good chance he finds a spot on the game day roster after all. ... and serve as a helper to the Jalen Hurts-led offense that already features two of the best wideouts in the NFL.