Three under-the-radar candidates who could be the stars of the Eagles' 2025 training camp
It's been one year since Paul Turner captivated our lives.Who will be this preseason's Paul Turner? #Eagles pic.twitter.com/puREDKH7LU
When it comes to training camp standouts, Eagles fans have fond memories of wide receiver Paul Turner. During a time when the Eagles desperately needed receiver talent, Turner did everything in his power to secure a roster spot in 2016, finishing the preseason with an NFL-best 17 receptions for 165 yards.
Turner ultimately didn't make the final 53-man roster, but he joined the Eagles' practice squad and was called up later in the season.
Who will be the Eagles' training camp darling of 2025? Here are three early candidates who could create their own success stories.
Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley will lead the backfield next season, but who will step up behind him? Kenneth Gainwell signed with the Steelers in free agency, leaving RB2 snaps up for grabs. The Eagles signed former Packers RB A.J. Dillon this offseason, but he's been out of the league for a year and reportedly on the roster bubble.
Second-year tailback Will Shipley offers pass-catching ability and is expected to see an increased role. If Dillon and Shipley don't impress in camp, UDFA Montrell Johnson Jr. could make things interesting.
Johnson, 5-11, 216 pounds, rushed for over 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns during his college career, including 2,251 yards and 21 touchdowns at Florida while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Johnson is a natural power runner and a known home-run hitter, as evidenced by his 4.41 40-yard dash time, which ranked fifth-best at his position. He certainly has the traits of an NFL running back.
Montrell Johnson Scouting Report via Lance Zierlein
Johnson's running style is marked by violence on contact and all-fight-no-flight instincts. He's a rugged interior runner who creates yards with good power and balance on contact but lacks a feel for lane development and creativity when he's cornered. He's a more tempo-driven runner towards the B- and C-gaps and possesses the agility to sink and cut while keeping the run downhill. He's not very elusive but bullies open-field defenders with force to break tackles. Johnson is going to get what is there and run with consistent effort and toughness. He could compete for a role as a two-down backup.
MONTRELL JOHNSON JR. 71 YARDS TO THE HOUSE 🏠🐊 pic.twitter.com/luQspWsxjc
Danny Gray is the popular pick among reporters for training camp MVP this year. He turned heads in OTAs, using his 4.3 speed to beat defenders and create separation. Gray, 26, was a 2022 third-round selection by the San Francisco 49ers, but injuries have been a hindrance throughout his career thus far.
The Eagles lack significant depth at receiver beyond A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson — Gray can become a legitimate deep-threat if he carries his spring momentum into camp.
Fifth-round pick Smael Mondon Jr. may find himself getting meaningful snaps relatively early in his career. He was a multi-year starter at Georgia, totaling 212 tackles (18 for loss) and eight sacks while helping the Bulldogs win two national championships.
Mondon got some first-team reps alongside Zack Baun during minicamp while Nakobe Dean and Jihaad Campbell recover from injuries. A rare combination of speed and athleticism allows Mondon to blitz, spy, and drop into coverage if necessary. At minimum, he'll be a core special-teams player with the potential to develop into an all-around linebacker.
Smael Mondon Scouting Report via Lance Zierlein
Mondon is physical and can run. He's quick to flow downhill and challenge blocks with good pop. He's inconsistent to diagnose and flow accurately to his fits, but he has good pursuit speed to range and tackle to the sidelines. He pursues the action with focus and leverage. Mondon becomes tackle-ready quickly in space. He's effective on passing downs with good coverage and blitz talent. The run game instincts could slow him early in his career, but he's a battle-tested, three-down option with special teams value and starting potential.
Eagles rookie LB Smael Mondon Jr. says he enjoys playing special teams. It was a way for him to get on the field early at Georgia. His favorite unit is kickoff. pic.twitter.com/tBc1JOVfnK
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