Two practices into training camp, one Philadelphia Eagles newcomer has reportedly emerged as a frontrunner at wide receiver over a pair of Philly’s 2024 draft selections.
Former sixth-round pick Johnny Wilson locked down the Eagles’s No. 4 receiver spot during last year’s Super Bowl run, but per Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports, the stiff competition he faced during OTAs has already carried over into the summer.
Kerr gave LSU Tigers star Terrace Marshall Jr., who joined the Eagles this offseason on a modest one-year contract, the “early lead in the clubhouse” to emerge as Philly’s fourth wide receiver behind starters A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson.
The battle for the No. 4 receiver spot is intriguing, as Marshall has taken the early lead in the clubhouse. Smith and Wilson are both in their second season and battling for a roster spot, but Wilson may have the edge due to his blocking ability. Danny Gray is also a player to watch, but he's had an up-and-down first two days of practice. The Eagles are likely to keep five receivers. — Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports
Eagles roster battle at No. 4 wide receiver is unsettled as training camp commences
Kerr isn’t the only one talking up Marshall, a former second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers who won a national championship at LSU during Joe Burrow’s breakout season. In a quote shared by Bleeding Green Nation’s Brandon Lee Gowton, Brown told reporters that Marshall is going to make the wide receiver room "very uncomfortable, and that’s a great thing.”
Outside of the top three, the Eagles receiver generating the most buzz during OTAs was Danny Gray, a former third-round pick by the 49ers who spent most of last season on Philly’s practice squad. He enters training camp firmly on the roster bubble along with 2024 fifth-round pick Ainias Smith. The Eagles will most likely keep five wide receivers, plus return specialist Avery Williams, who Philly plucked from the Atlanta Falcons this offseason as a free agent.
The case for Terrace Marshall earning a roster spot with Eagles
Marshall entered the NFL with big-time pedigree and first-round buzz, flashing all the tools of a prototypical X-receiver. He thrived in contested-catch situations and carved out a reputation as a red zone weapon, earning an 82.3 grade from Pro Football Focus in that area. At his Pro Day, Marshall backed up the tape with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash.
He never caught on with the Panthers, or last season in Las Vegas, but he’s also never been in an offense as talented as Philadelphia’s, or played with a quarterback as good as Jalen Hurts in the NFL. With good size and speed, it would not be surprising to see the hype around Marshall continue all the way to cut-down day.
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