49ers draft bust just became Eagles' secret weapon on offense in 2025

If there is something Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is good at, it's finding hidden talent from elsewhere to make them stars in Philly.

Zack Baun is a perfect example of this, as he went from career backup with the New Orleans Saints to an All-Pro last year for the Eagles. Philadelphia is hoping to strike gold again with another player similar to that, but this time on offense.

ESPN featured an article in which each team's beat reporter shared the most significant surprise player from OTAs and minicamp. Eagles reporter Tim McManus named wide receiver Danny Gray as the guy who took everyone by surprise by turning heads at offseason workouts.

"The 26-year-old wideout made an impression during the OTA and minicamp practices open to reporters, using his 4.33 speed to stretch the field and accelerate past defenders on catches over the middle. Gray was a third-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. He dealt with some injuries and tallied just one reception during his time in San Francisco.

He was waived by the Niners in August and signed with the Eagles' practice squad days later. Philadelphia has one of the top receiving duos in the league in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but there are some roster spots up for grabs lower on the depth chart. Gray will be competing with players like Ainias Smith, Avery Williams and Terrace Marshall during training camp."

Gray could sneak his way onto the Eagles' roster in 2025

The San Francisco 49ers selected Gray in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of SMU. Gray didn't do much in his first two seasons with the 49ers as he only caught one pass for 10 yards and had one rush for nine yards.

Last year, San Francisco cut him at the end of training camp, and the Eagles swooped him up and signed him to the practice squad. Gray would not step on the field during the season but was brought back on a futures contract after the Super Bowl.

One advantage Gray has is his speed. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine, one of the fastest times recorded among players.

Outside of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, there have been questions about the number-three receiver on the team. Jahan Dotson appears to be in line to be that guy, but his disappointing 2024 campaign in Philly has left the door open for someone else to steal the job.

Gray may not be able to catch up with Dotson on the depth with others like Marshall, Ainias Smith, and Johnny Wilson right in the thick of the competition, but don't sleep on Gray. He's been impressive during offseason workouts and has a chance to steal a roster spot and see the field this season at the rate he is going.