Eagles Training Camp: Offensive Sleepers to Watch

The Philadelphia Eagles enter training camp with a talent‑filled offensive core, but the real story will be who emerges from the depth chart. Established stars like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and DeVonta SmithSean Mannion reshapes the receiving room. Below are the offensive sleepers the Eagles will be watching at each position.

Quarterback Watch: Cole Payton

Cole Payton earned a fifth‑round pick for a reason, offering a dual‑threat skill set and strong production at North Dakota State. He was a 2025 Walter Payton Award finalist, leading the Bison to a 12‑1 record and an 8‑0 mark in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Payton threw for 3,188 yards, 16 touchdowns and just four interceptions while also adding 13 rushing scores, showcasing his versatility.

Hurts is entrenched as the starter, with Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee providing veteran depth. Payton’s path likely begins on the practice squad, but his college stats and athleticism make him a name to watch in preseason drills. If he flashes during camp, he could earn a spot as a developmental quarterback.

Past NFL camps have often rewarded under‑the‑radar passers who shine in live action, so Payton’s ability to compete with the trio could be a narrative driver for the Eagles this summer.

Running Back Battle: Mitchell

Elijah “Mitchell” enters his sixth season after a rookie minicamp tryout, bringing four years of proven rushing output from the San Francisco 49ers. Over 327 carries he amassed 1,523 yards at a 4.7‑yard average, scoring nine touchdowns, with his rookie campaign standing out at 963 yards and five scores.

Philadelphia’s backfield is deep, featuring Saquon Barkley as the clear lead runner and a mix of young talents like Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley. Mitchell will have to demonstrate burst, solid pass protection and reliable special‑team play to earn a roster spot. His experience at the NFL level could be valuable if the Eagles look for a third-down threat.

Historically, the NFL rewards running backs who excel in all phases, and Mitchell’s versatile background could give him an edge in a crowded competition.

Wide Receiver Potential: Ezukanma

The 6‑foot‑2 Ezukanma spent three seasons with Miami before moving to Jacksonville’s practice squad and then the UFL’s D.C. Defenders. With the Defenders he posted 264 receiving yards and one touchdown, added 71 rushing yards at an 8.4‑yard average, and contributed 621 yards returning kicks.

Philadelphia’s receiving corps is stacked, with DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown and several others contending for snaps. Ezukanma’s size and return ability give him a niche, especially if he can prove himself as a big‑target option and gadget playmaker. His versatility could make him a specialist the Eagles value in preseason.

Camps have seen similar players break into the league by excelling in return duties and providing a different receiving dimension, so Ezukanma’s multi‑role skill set could earn him a roster spot.

Tight End Contenders: Smartt and Wright

Smartt, signed after stints with the Chargers and Jets, brings eight seasons of NFL experience, including 53 games with seven starts. He accumulated 38 receptions for 432 yards and a touchdown, with a career‑best 16 catches for 208 yards in 2024.

Beyond his receiving, Smartt’s background as a college quarterback and a 4.62‑second 40‑yard dash add athletic intrigue. His route running, blocking and special‑team contributions will be key as the Eagles look for depth behind Dallas Goedert. While he may not be a starter, his well‑rounded skill set makes him a candidate to stick on the practice squad.

Wright provides a contrasting profile, posting career highs in 2025 with 39 catches for 635 yards and five touchdowns, leading all FBS tight ends with 10.1 yards after catch per reception. That receiving upside, combined with his physical traits, could earn him a spot if he shows improvement in blocking and special‑team play. Teams often value tight ends who can create separation and run after the catch, areas where Wright excels.

Interior Line Stargazers: Majors and Roberts

Majors emerged from Texas with a respectable résumé, setting a school record of 56 career starts and honing his interior blocking and communication skills. After being undrafted, he signed with Tampa Bay before joining Philadelphia’s practice squad, giving him a taste of NFL preparation.

The Eagles already have Cam Jurgens at center and Landon Dickerson at guard, so Majors must prove he can contribute at either position and handle snapping duties. His age and interior experience could make him a reliable depth piece if he shows steady progress in pass protection and run blocking.

Roberts brings five years of SEC experience, starting 25 games at right guard for Alabama and earning two conference titles. His physical presence and long‑term development potential align with Philadelphia’s offensive line philosophy. While the path to the 53‑man roster is steep, a strong camp showing could secure him a practice‑squad role with upside.

Bottom Line: Who Really Matters

The Eagles’ offense will be judged by the stars, but training camp will reveal which sleepers can become useful pieces. Payton offers a developmental quarterback with dual‑threat traits, while Mitchell provides seasoned rushing ability. Ezukanma adds size, return potential and offensive flexibility. Smartt and Wright give the tight end room athletic options, and Majors and Roberts present interior line depth with proven college pedigree. Not every player will make the final roster, but each brings a distinct skill that could influence the team’s depth and future plans.

Keep an eye on these seven players as the pads drop—how they perform in preseason drills could determine whether they become the next wave of Eagles contributors.