The Philadelphia Eagles took a pair of Day 3 swings at wide receiver during the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting Texas A&M product Ainias Smith in Round 5, and big Florida State specimen Johnny Wilson in Round 6.
Based on the reports out of Philly’s organized spring workouts, those two picks could be a swing and a miss come roster cut-down day this coming August.
The Eagles’ pair of second-year wide outs were pushed this spring by former practice squander Danny Gray and new addition Terrace Marshall Jr. during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Smith is no guarantee to make this year’s roster, coming off a year when he was initially stashed on injured reserve (most likely to buy some extra time). And while Wilson was able to carve out a role as Philly’s No. 4 wide receiver in 2024, he has failed to separate himself from the pack early in Year 2, according to insider Anthony DiBona.
With Wilson trending down, Gray’s stock is on the rise after what has been an impressive showing in spring practices.
“Gray reportedly turned some heads while working on Philadelphia’s practice squad last season,” DiBona wrote. “Now Gray is rocking a different jersey number (#80) and is ready to push for a spot on the 53-man roster. The Eagles could use some help at WR beyond A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson in 2025 and Gray is starting to separate himself from the pack. He consistently made plays and showcased his speed throughout OTAs, according to multiple reports.”
Marshall, meanwhile, was an intriguing offseason addition by GM Howie Roseman, given his wealth of success at LSU catching passes from Joe Burrow during their magical national title run in 2019. The 25-year-old “is certainly in the mix to make Philadelphia’s final roster,” per DiBona.
“He was rising up, making plays on 50/50 balls,” Eagles Now host Chase Senior said of Marshall’s showing at Eagles’ spring practices, before adding of Gray: “They could beat out Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson.”
Wilson served a key run-blocking role for Philly last season, and he was often confused for a tight end on broadcasts due to his 6-foot-7, 237-pound frame. His roster spot felt pretty safe entering OTAs, so we’ll see if that changes when training camp kicks-off in July.
