Nearly-forgotten second-year Eagles have re-entered the 53-man roster conversation.
One whole week and six days of Philadelphia Eagles practice isn’t enough time to make massive proclamations. Here’s where we do you a solid anyway. Here’s where we stick our necks out and take huge swings. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are pretty good. We’re ready to announce that we have no doubts that they will make the 53-man roster.
Just teasing. It’s hot, and everyone is tense, so drink plenty of fluids. Try not to take this so seriously. After all, it’s only football.
Who are we kidding? Don’t take this seriously? Only football? What are we talking about? There’s a roster to put together, and two of the young guys have re-emerged as potential favorites to hang onto a roster spot.
Don’t give up on Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson yet
Each time we did the math, we kept coming up with the same equation. The expectation is that the Eagles will keep six wide receivers on the 53-man roster.
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson are roster locks. That leaves nine wide receivers fighting for the other three spots. We thought that spelled trouble for Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson, but don’t speak too quickly.
Terrace Marshall has been on fire. A.J. Brown recently endorsed him, but there are discussions that there could be roles for 2024 draftees Smith and Wilson.
“The perception is that Ainias Smith can fit a role as a manufactured-touch player and potential punt returner, while Wilson is a heavyweight blocker for a run-first offense who can also help Michael Clay’s coverage units on special teams.”
Another perception is that both struggled through rookie seasons, and they are far from safe. Philadelphia may elect to keep both of them, but no one should ignore the possibility that they’ll only keep one of them, or maybe neither of them.