Howie Roseman, the Philadelphia Eagles’ general manager, has long been lauded for his uncanny ability to unearth gems in the early rounds of the NFL Draft. His track record in Rounds 1 through 3 is the envy of the league, consistently delivering cornerstone players who shape the Eagles’ roster. But in recent years, Roseman has shifted his focus to the later rounds, stockpiling Day 3 picks (Rounds 4 through 7) to take calculated risks on high-upside, low-cost talent. This strategy, fueled by a roster already brimming with homegrown stars, has allowed Philly to amass draft capital and take swings on players who could develop into key contributors. In 2024, the Eagles made six Day 3 selections, and after trading out of the third round in 2025, they added eight more. Projections suggest they could have another eight picks in Rounds 4 and beyond in 2026.
However, Roseman’s Day 3 gambles in 2024 may not be paying off as hoped. According to Josh Davis of the Philly Special Show, three of the Eagles’ 2024 draft picks—fifth-round wide receiver Ainias Smith, fifth-round guard Trevor Keegan, and sixth-round wide receiver Johnny Wilson—are on the chopping block heading into the 2025 roster cut-downs. This follows the team’s decision to part ways with sixth-round interior offensive lineman Dylan McMahon last year, signaling potential cracks in Roseman’s late-round magic.
A Crowded Wide Receiver Room Spells Trouble
The Eagles’ wide receiver corps is a tough group to crack. With A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, and specialist Avery Williams viewed as roster locks, the competition for the remaining spots is fierce. Davis predicts that 2024 practice-squad standout Danny Gray and 2025 free-agent addition Terrace Marshall could edge out both Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson. “I know, that’s cutting Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith,” Davis noted, “which the odds say at least one of them will make the roster. But Johnny missed some of OTAs and struggled with drops, while Gray and Marshall have made lasting impressions.”
Ainias Smith’s path to the roster has been rocky from the start. As a rookie, he likely wouldn’t have made the 2024 roster but was stashed on injured reserve, later filling a spot after Britain Covey’s Week 3 collarbone injury. His outlook for 2025 remains grim, as he’s firmly on the outside looking in.
Johnny Wilson’s potential cut, however, raises eyebrows. The 6-foot-7 rookie, who doubles as a tight end-sized wide receiver, carved out a role as Philly’s WR4 last season, logging 406 offensive snaps and showcasing impressive run-blocking ability on the perimeter. With new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo expected to lean heavily on the run game, Wilson’s skill set should give him an edge. Yet, his absence from parts of OTAs and reported struggles with drops have opened the door for others to shine. If Wilson is outclassed in training camp, his roster spot could slip away.
Trevor Keegan’s Uphill Battle
Fifth-round guard Trevor Keegan faces his own challenges. Without consistent second-team reps at guard or center during OTAs and minicamp, Keegan’s development appears to be stalling. If he can’t prove his versatility or earn meaningful snaps in training camp, his time with the Eagles could be cut short.
Bright Spots: Gray and Marshall Steal the Show
Davis’s analysis highlights the emergence of Danny Gray and Terrace Marshall as potential roster steals. Gray, a 2024 practice-squad player, has reportedly been a standout in spring practices, earning praise from Philly’s defensive backs for his reliable hands. Meanwhile, quarterback Jalen Hurts singled out Marshall, a former LSU star, for his impressive showings in early practices as an Eagle. Their strong performances have intensified the competition at wide receiver, putting pressure on Wilson and Smith to step up.
A Hit Rate That Hurts
If Davis’s predictions hold, the Eagles could be left with just two players—running back Will Shipley and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr.—from their six Day 3 picks in 2024. That’s a far cry from the hit rate Roseman is accustomed to. While the Eagles’ strategy of hoarding late-round picks makes sense with looming contract extensions for stars like safety Reed Blankenship and defensive tackle Jalen Carter, the 2024 class is shaping up as a rare miss for Roseman.
What’s Next for Philly?
The Eagles’ depth and star power allow Roseman the luxury of taking risks on Day 3 prospects, but the 2024 draft class may serve as a cautionary tale. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Wilson, Smith, and Keegan to see if they can reverse their fortunes and secure a spot on the roster. For now, the emergence of Gray and Marshall underscores the fierce competition within Philly’s ranks—a healthy problem for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, but a tough reality for Roseman’s latest draft picks.