Eagles' minicamp sleeper must stand out for Jalen Hurts to lock in starting job

These OTAs have been different for the Philadelphia Eagles than in the past not only because of the Super Bowl championship, but the team is seeing more of their wide receivers past A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Brown has been at OTAs the last two weeks, but has not worked out. Smith has been a no show at OTAs, but that's not a major issue since these are voluntary.

Instead, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been throwing it to Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith, and Jahan Dotson. While all three are likely to secure a roster spot, it's still crucial for them to perform as they compete for a starting lineup spot alongside Brown and Smith.

The Eagles know who they have in Brown and Smith, but need one of the other young receivers to step. One could end up being a sleeper at minicamp.

Sleeper pick at minicamp ready to make waves in his second year in Philadelphia

CBS Sports writer Cody Benjamin named seven players in the NFL he predicts will make waves at minicamp. Dotson got included on the list as he's looking to take off in the number-three receiver position.

"A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are the rightful headliners of the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl-winning wide receiver corps. But Dotson played a big hand in setting the tone for the Birds in the big game, quietly settling in as a dangerous No. 3 option for Jalen Hurts down the stretch of his 2024 debut in Philly. His 2025 targets may not increase a ton thanks to the wealth of weapons in the Eagles' lineup, but in the spring, there should be ample opportunity for the ex-Washington Commanders prospect to showcase his first-round athleticism."

The first two seasons in the NFL for Dotson were decent, but did not live up to his first-round selection from the Washington Commanders. He caught 84 passes for 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns in Washington.

Right before the 2024 season, Dotson was traded to the Eagles to become the number three receiver. A combination of the Eagles leaning on the running game and a lack of targets gave Dotson the worst season of his career. He only made 19 catches for 216 yards in 17 games.

Dotson did have a couple of memorable plays in the playoffs as he caught first touchdown as an Eagle against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card. He nearly had a second touchdown in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, but a review of the play called him short of the end zone.

Wilson and Ainias Smith are young developmental players who may need another season to step up. The Eagles have to lean on Dotson to step up and be the guy he was in Washington.

Dotson only had one year remaining on his current deal with the Eagles, as he is either competing for a starting spot on another team or seeking a longer-term contract in Philadelphia. The Eagles declined Dotson's fifth-year option on his rookie deal, so it's a make-or-break season for him, and he needs to improve from his 2024 season.

The postseason showed the potential of Dotson and he hopes that minicamp will be the first step to a bounce back season.