The Philadelphia Eagles aim for a more balanced wide receiver room, reducing reliance on A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The team currently has three players who are considered locks, while nine other receivers will compete for the final two to four roster spots on the 53-man roster. Highlighting one of the players contending for a final roster spot is their explosive fifth-round pick.
Philadelphia Eagles’ explosive receiver had a rough rookie season
The Eagles placed Ainias Smith on injured reserve to start his rookie season after experiencing ankle and hamstring discomfort following their preseason finale, costing him the first six games. When he returned, the fifth-round pick failed to carve out a consistent role on offense and proceeded to miss Weeks 12-15 with a hamstring injury and a healthy scratch in the playoffs. Smith finished with seven receptions on nine targets for 41 yards, one touchdown, six yards on two attempts, and one kick return for 17 yards in seven games, one start, and 96 offensive and four special teams snaps.
Philadelphia Eagles’ young receiver’s mindset amid crucial offseason
Ainias Smith has worked out with A.J. Brown throughout the offseason to improve his game. At a youth football camp at Freedom Center Church in Missouri City, Texas, the young receiver spoke with Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, reflecting on his rookie year and his goals for his second season. Smith shared that he feels excited, explosive, and lighter than last year amid a crucial training camp.
“Since last year, I really didn’t have the full offseason, but now I feel real good this year, I’m excited,” Smith said, via Wilson. “I’m explosive. I’m lighter than I was last year, so I’m excited for sure. I lost a few pounds, for sure.”
