- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,129,603
- Reaction score
- 59
The Philadelphia Eagles are set to begin organized team activities, carrying familiar expectations and tons of pressure to spread around. Nick Sirianni's team remains one of the NFL's premier rosters and has begun preparing for another deep postseason run, but OTAs provide the first meaningful opportunity to evaluate how the evolving roster is taking shape before training camp arrives.
Veterans return. Young players compete for larger roles. Rookies take their first NFL reps. Position battles quietly begin developing. Philadelphia still has elite talent at key positions, but questions remain throughout the roster as the Eagles look to position themselves for another championship push.
Here is one Eagles player to watch at every position during OTAs.
Jalen Hurts remains firmly entrenched as the franchise quarterback, but Tanner McKee enters an important spring after showing growth behind Hurts over the last two seasons. Philadelphia also added veteran Andy Dalton and rookie Cole Payton, but McKee's development remains one of the more important long-term storylines behind Hurts.
A key trade acquisition, the hard-running Bigsby participated in 16 contests (one start) with the Eagles, recording 356 rushing yards on 63 carries (5.7 avg.) and 2 touchdowns. We will be watching to see how Sean Mannion carves out a role for the hard-running tailback.
Wilson suffered a season-ending knee and ankle injury during the preseason finale and missed the entire 2025 season after establishing himself as a big, physical target. The 6'6" second-year player was having a standout camp and was poised for a key role as a backup receiver and blocker.
Dallas Goedert returns, but Philadelphia clearly understands succession planning matters. Stowers arrives as Goedert's potential long-term replacement, and OTAs provide the first extended opportunity to evaluate how quickly the rookie adjusts to NFL speed and responsibilities.
Philadelphia's offensive line remains one of football's most important units, but health issues and coaching changes make this spring particularly important. Steen enters OTAs positioned to solidify his role and a new contract along an offensive line looking to bounce back after injuries disrupted continuity in 2025.
Philadelphia has a big three at defensive tackle of Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo. The goal for Robinson will be to earn the fourth defensive tackle spot. A physical specimen and dominant defensive tackle, Robinson (6-5, 288 pounds) played sparingly as a rookie. Prior to Week 18, Robinson had played 53 defensive snaps and another 29 on special teams, spanning ten games. We'll be watching to see how he's improved since last season.
Few Eagles helped themselves more in 2025. Hunt led Philadelphia in sacks while also showing playmaking versatility that rarely appears from edge defenders. OTAs will offer an early look at whether another leap forward is coming in Year 3.
Nakobe Dean's departure changes the picture significantly. Jihaad Campbell recovers from shoulder surgery, creating opportunities for younger linebackers to establish roles. Few names carry greater interest among Eagles fans than Trotter Jr. heading into OTAs.
Philadelphia suddenly has one of the NFL's deepest cornerback groups after adding Riq Woolen. That makes Woolen's athletic attributes particularly interesting entering the spring. OTAs will offer early clues regarding how Philadelphia plans to utilize and scheme the versatile cornerback trio.
The Eagles moved quickly after offseason departures, but Mukuba remains one of Philadelphia's most important defensive prospects entering Year 2. Returning from injury and stepping into a larger role make him a critical storyline in the OTA.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 11 Eagles to watch closely as Philadelphia begins OTAs
Continue reading...
Veterans return. Young players compete for larger roles. Rookies take their first NFL reps. Position battles quietly begin developing. Philadelphia still has elite talent at key positions, but questions remain throughout the roster as the Eagles look to position themselves for another championship push.
Here is one Eagles player to watch at every position during OTAs.
QB: Tanner McKee
Jalen Hurts remains firmly entrenched as the franchise quarterback, but Tanner McKee enters an important spring after showing growth behind Hurts over the last two seasons. Philadelphia also added veteran Andy Dalton and rookie Cole Payton, but McKee's development remains one of the more important long-term storylines behind Hurts.
RB: Tank Bigsby
A key trade acquisition, the hard-running Bigsby participated in 16 contests (one start) with the Eagles, recording 356 rushing yards on 63 carries (5.7 avg.) and 2 touchdowns. We will be watching to see how Sean Mannion carves out a role for the hard-running tailback.
WR: Johnny Wilson
Wilson suffered a season-ending knee and ankle injury during the preseason finale and missed the entire 2025 season after establishing himself as a big, physical target. The 6'6" second-year player was having a standout camp and was poised for a key role as a backup receiver and blocker.
TE: Eli Stowers
Dallas Goedert returns, but Philadelphia clearly understands succession planning matters. Stowers arrives as Goedert's potential long-term replacement, and OTAs provide the first extended opportunity to evaluate how quickly the rookie adjusts to NFL speed and responsibilities.
OL: Tyler Steen
Philadelphia's offensive line remains one of football's most important units, but health issues and coaching changes make this spring particularly important. Steen enters OTAs positioned to solidify his role and a new contract along an offensive line looking to bounce back after injuries disrupted continuity in 2025.
DL: Ty Robinson
Philadelphia has a big three at defensive tackle of Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo. The goal for Robinson will be to earn the fourth defensive tackle spot. A physical specimen and dominant defensive tackle, Robinson (6-5, 288 pounds) played sparingly as a rookie. Prior to Week 18, Robinson had played 53 defensive snaps and another 29 on special teams, spanning ten games. We'll be watching to see how he's improved since last season.
Edge: Jalyx Hunt
Few Eagles helped themselves more in 2025. Hunt led Philadelphia in sacks while also showing playmaking versatility that rarely appears from edge defenders. OTAs will offer an early look at whether another leap forward is coming in Year 3.
LB: Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Nakobe Dean's departure changes the picture significantly. Jihaad Campbell recovers from shoulder surgery, creating opportunities for younger linebackers to establish roles. Few names carry greater interest among Eagles fans than Trotter Jr. heading into OTAs.
CB: Riq Woolen
Philadelphia suddenly has one of the NFL's deepest cornerback groups after adding Riq Woolen. That makes Woolen's athletic attributes particularly interesting entering the spring. OTAs will offer early clues regarding how Philadelphia plans to utilize and scheme the versatile cornerback trio.
S: Drew Mukuba
The Eagles moved quickly after offseason departures, but Mukuba remains one of Philadelphia's most important defensive prospects entering Year 2. Returning from injury and stepping into a larger role make him a critical storyline in the OTA.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 11 Eagles to watch closely as Philadelphia begins OTAs
Continue reading...
