Former SMU Mustangs star wide receiver emerging as favorite to make Eagles’ initial 53-man roster

Ryan OLeary

Former SMU Mustangs star wide receiver emerging as favorite to make Eagles’ initial 53-man roster image

Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The perception of Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman is that he loves the star, big-name player. That’s why rumors of a potential T.J. Watt trade will continue to swirl until Watt finally signs his extension with the Steelers.

In reality, Roseman loves hunting for value, like bargain Day 3 draft selections. Even better? Former early-round draft picks who were waived due to injuries or performance with their former teams.

Philly has a number of players who fit that bill on their 90-man roster for training camp, including safety Lewis Cine, running back A.J. Dillon, wide receiver Terrace Marshall and guard Kenyon Green.

The Eagles will also have an under-the-radar prospect at training camp who could surprisingly have the clearest path to a roster spot than any of those aforementioned players.

Per Tim McManus of ESPN, wide receiver Danny Gray, a former third-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers, left a strong impression with the team during OTAs and could push players like Marshall and 2024 fifth-round pick Ainias Smith to the roster bubble.

“Philadelphia has one of the top receiving duos in the league in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith,” McManus wrote, “but there are some roster spots up for grabs lower on the depth chart. Gray will be competing with players like Ainias Smith, Avery Williams and Terrace Marshall during training camp.”

Avery Williams is close to a lock to make Philly’s roster, as he was brought in this offseason for his prowess on special teams. Ainias Smith’s spot from 2024 is very much gettable, though, and you could make the same case for fellow second-year wide out Johnny Wilson.

The Eagles surprisingly took few swings at wide receiver this offseason, outside of adding Marshall and Williams to the mix. The training camp battle for the WR4 spot behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson should be among the most entertaining when the Eagles officially kick things off later this month.

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Ryan OLeary

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.