Story by
Eagles OTAs: 5 under-the-radar players to watch on offense
- Story by
- Eagles OTAs: 5 under-the-radar players to watch on offense
The Philadelphia Eagles officially enter the OTA phase of the offseason this week, and while much of the attention will naturally center around Jalen Hurts , Saquon Barkley , and the team's newest rookie additions, some of the most fascinating storylines often emerge further down the depth chart. Philadelphia added five offensive players during the draft while also overhauling parts of the coaching staff under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.
That combination creates opportunity.
Advertisement
Here are five under-the-radar offensive players worth closely monitoring during Eagles OTAs.
1. Cole Payton | Quarterback
The former North Dakota State quarterback may quietly become one of the most intriguing developmental players on the roster. Payton offers athleticism, mobility, and positional versatility that fit naturally inside a modern NFL offense. Philadelphia already has stability with Hurts, Tanner McKee , and veteran Andy Dalton , but Payton's dual-threat skill set gives him legitimate long-term intrigue.
OTAs will offer the first real glimpse into how the coaching staff plans to develop him.
Advertisement
2. Johnny Wilson | Wide Receiver
Before injuries derailed his momentum in 2025, Wilson was one of the early surprises of training camp. Now healthy again, Johnny Wilson enters a crowded receiver room attempting to reestablish himself. His rare size and catch radius still make him an intriguing red-zone and possession target. With uncertainty surrounding the future of A.J. Brown and the arrival of several new receivers, Wilson suddenly has another opportunity to carve out a meaningful role.
3. Dameon Pierce | Running Back
The Eagles quietly added one of the NFL's more physical backup runners when they brought in Dameon Pierce.
Advertisement
Pierce's downhill style contrasts nicely with Barkley's explosiveness and Tank Bigsby 's balance, giving Philadelphia another rugged option in short-yardage situations. OTAs should provide early insight into how Pierce fits within the offensive rotation and whether the Eagles envision a larger role for him than many expect.
4. Stone Smartt | Tight End
The Eagles completely reshaped the depth behind Dallas Goedert , and Stone Smartt could quietly benefit.
The former Chargers and Jets tight end has never posted major receiving production, but his athletic profile remains intriguing. Philadelphia clearly values versatility at the position, and Smartt enters a competition-heavy room alongside Eli Stowers , Grant Calcaterra , Johnny Mundt , and others. Strong spring practices could quickly elevate his standing.
Advertisement
5. Markel Bell | Offensive Tackle
Developmental offensive linemen rarely generate headlines during the spring, but Philadelphia's long-term tackle planning makes Markel Bell worth watching closely. With Lane Johnson entering the later stages of his career, the Eagles are clearly prioritizing future tackle depth. Bell joins a young offensive line pipeline that also includes Myles Hinton and Cameron Williams .
Under new offensive line coach Chris Kuper, OTAs could provide the first clues regarding which developmental linemen the organization views most favorably moving forward.
Final thoughts
OTAs rarely determine final roster spots, but they often establish early momentum.
Advertisement
For veteran stars, this portion of the offseason is largely maintenance work. For younger and overlooked players, however, these practices can become critical opportunities to grab attention before training camp fully begins.
And for the Eagles, several lesser-known offensive names suddenly feel worth monitoring very closely.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 5 under-the-radar players to watch on offense during Eagles' OTAs
