Philadelphia Eagles' mandatory minicamp has arrived as this is the final step before training camp gets underway next month.
Most NFL teams are going to have three days of mandatory minicamp, but the Eagles will only have one day on Tuesday. That means players in Philadelphia have one shot to make a strong impession before training camp. The players will not be pads as it will be mostly seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills.
Despite just one day of work, there are three players Eagles fans should keep an eye out as they could be sleeper picks to start come the beginning of the 2025 season.
Three sleeper players Eagles fans should monitor at minicamp
Tristin McCollum, Safety
When Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mentioned Tristin McCollum's name last week as a candidate for the safety job, it is worth monitoring. Many believe the second safety job is between Sydney Brown and rookie second-round pick Andrew Mukuba.
McCollum racked up 33 tackles and two pass deflections in 14 games with the Eagles a season ago with two starts made. He helped out at the beginning of the season with Brown recovering from injury.
While it's still safe to say that Brown and Mukuba are the favorites, Fangio was concerned with Brown missing time last year as he's not as experienced with the defense from McCollum. It would be an upset, but McCollum could at least find himself in the rotation as a starter.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Linebacker
Eagles rookie first-round pick Jihaad Campbell and Nakobe Dean have been recovering from their injuries, so it has opened the door for Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to get some reps. Trotter has been filling in with Zack Baun at inside linebacker at OTAs.
Philadelphia selected Trotter in the fifth round of the last year's NFL Draft after his dad, Jeremiah Trotter Sr., was a starting linebacker nearly two decades ago. In 17 games, Trotter Jr. racked up 25 tackles, one quarterback hit, and one pass deflection.
Dean and Campbell are expected to recover and play by the beginning of the regular season, but these reps are massive for Trotter who is trying to earn playing time. If he is able to prove his worth, he could play more on the field this season than last year.
Danny Gray, Wide Receiver
The speedy Danny Gray has made quite the impression during OTAs. With DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown not working out at OTAs, Gray has stepped up with more playing time and gottent the attention of everyone.
Read more:Eagles' biggest storyline entering minicamp will have fans debating all summer
Gray has only played in 2022 with the San Francisco 49ers after the team selected him in the third round of that year's draft. He had one rush for nine yards and one catch for 10 yards in 2022.
Gray runs a 4.3 40-yard dash and that speed would help the Eagles get another deep threat on the roster. Special teams could be Gray's ticket in and a returner is needed so that's one route to take. The Eagles need a number three receiver as well which right now would be Jahan Dotson, but Gray might be able to challenge for that spot.