This year's OTAs have been a different look for the Philadelphia Eagles. Not just because they're the reigning Super Bowl Champions, but the team is deploying a new group of wide receivers.
The Eagles have been without A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on the field at OTAs. Brown has been present the past two weeks, but has not worked out. Smith has been a no show at OTAs, but these workouts are voluntary.
Instead, Jalen Hurts has been throwing the ball to Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson and Jahan Dotson. All three are likely to secure a roster spot, but all three still need to perform for a chance at a starting spot alongside Brown and Smith.
The Eagles know who they have in Smith and Brown, but one of the younger receivers has to step up this year. One was even named a minicamp sleeper.
CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin compiled a list of seven NFL players he predicts will make waves at minicamp. Dotson was one of the seven included as he hopes to take off as the third receiver.
"A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are the rightful headliners of the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl-winning wide receiver corps." Benjamin wrote. "But Dotson played a big hand in setting the tone for the Birds in the big game, quietly settling in as a dangerous No. 3 option for Jalen Hurts down the stretch of his 2024 debut in Philly. His 2025 targets may not increase a ton thanks to the wealth of weapons in the Eagles' lineup, but in the spring, there should be ample opportunity for the ex-Washington Commanders prospect to showcase his first-round athleticism."
Dotson was selected by the Washington Commanders in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The former No. 16 pick was decent, but failed to live up to first round expectations. In his two seasons in Washington, Dotson played in 29 games, catching 84 passes for 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Eagles traded for Dotson right before the 2024 season. Dotson didn't get a whole lot of usage, between the Eagles' efficient ground game and the target load between Smith, Brown and Dallas Goedert. Dotson is hopeful for a breakout campaign in his fourth NFL season.