The Philadelphia Eagles have officially kicked off their OTA program for 2025, and while we’re some time away from Training Camp, this always acts as the ultimate proving ground for players fighting for roster spots.
Coming off of a huge Super Bowl win, the Birds are primed to build on that and push for another deep playoff run in 2025. A strong offseason certainly improved those chances, but there are a few players who will need to really turn heads in order to fight for a starting role ahead of the new campaign.
Kelee Ringo
The Eagles lost Darius Slay this past offseason but brought in Adoree Jackson as a proven vet to fill the void…unless Kelee Ringo can stake his claim to the CB2 spot.
Ringo has two years of NFL experience under his belt now and has flashed whenever on the field, be it preseason or during the 2023 regular season. At 6’2, 207 lbs and with lightning agility at his disposal, Ringo is built like a prototypical boundary corner, and of course brings the Georgia pedigree to the table.
Now entering his third season and with only two more on his rookie contract, Ringo has to take the next step if he is to secure a long-term future on the team and expand his duties above special teams and a depth piece. He has all the tangibles and potential to do it, and he arguably should have a leg up on Jackson having already become well-versed in Vic Fangio’s defense.
Tanner McKee
Tanner McKee has developed a real affinity with Eagles fans, partly because of his willingness to fearlessly sling it in preseason games, and partly due to his big leap in technique between his rookie year and 2024.
But in 2025, things are different. The Eagles replaced Kenny Pickett with Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a quarterback who now has ample experience under his belt, and drafted Kyle McCord, a name who many believe should’ve gone much higher than the sixth-round.
The battle to backup Jalen Hurts is on, and while it’s clear that the Super Bowl MVP is far beyond needing a veteran in his ear giving him advice, he does need some stability in the event of an unexpected setback. McKee has to show he’s far more than just a big arm this offseason, and that all starts in OTA’s.
Ainias Smith
As explosive as the Eagles’ offense was in 2024, it was still arguably missing a reliable slot receiver. The team experimented with the likes of Johnny Wilson, while Jahan Dotson took the lions share of snaps, catching 19 passes for 216 yards.
A report surfaced last month citing that the Birds would be declining Dotson’s fifth-year option, making this his final season. Dotson needs to hit the ground running in his own right, but this is really a platform for Ainias Smith, who is the closest to a Dotson replacement the Eagles have, and was burdened by a lingering injury setback in the Summer of his rookie season.
He still caught 7 passes for 41 yards and a touchdown in 2024 and will more than likely be looking to compete for more consistent reps in the slot for next year. To do that, he has to begin turning heads as quickly as possible.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
