Camp Climbers

Every summer in training camps across the NFL, players emerge unexpectedly. The boosts come from all corners of the roster, though are most prevalent with undrafted rookies. The unpredictability only adds to the anticipation of training camp.

From an Eagles perspective, there are a multitude of candidates who fit the bill. But I don’t want to bore you by listing the familiar names, instead limiting my predictions to key reserves with a legitimate path to summer stardom.

Taking into account skill set, role and opportunities, I took a stab at projecting the Eagles’ offensive standouts at camp:

GETTY IMAGES/Mitchell Leff: Eagles RB Tank Bigsby should get plenty of chances to shine at training camp.

RB Tank Bigsby

Bigsby arrived for spring practices appearing noticeably bulkier, and maybe even a tick more explosive relative to last season. Sure, those enhancements tend to become more noticeable in a training camp setting, but Bigsby is listed here because he has juice. There’s an urgency and desperation that’s evident every time he touches the ball. He only knows one speed. Remember, Bigsby was in Jacksonville last summer, so this will be the first opportunity to watch him in Eagles training camp. Bigsby, 25, is firmly entrenched as the Eagles’ No. 2 running back behind Saquon Barkley and could have a steadier role in 2026. I imagine he’ll command a fairly hefty workload in camp, which should summon explosive plays. Bigsby packs a punch as a runner, and has some wiggle in the open field — a dynamic blend that promises to make every rep worth watching.

RB Will Shipley

This might seem like a call-back to last training camp, but there’s evidence supporting this theory. Two summers ago, it was versatile running back Kenny Gainwell garnering headlines, mostly due to his receiving chops. Gainwell produced a splash play seemingly every practice. Last summer, it was Barkley and Shipley doing damage as pass catchers, with both backs often besting the defense on wheel routes. And this spring, Shipley, whether by design or merely a byproduct of learning a new offense, also served as a popular underneath target. Involving the running backs in the passing game has become a training camp tradition for the Eagles in recent years, but it’s never been part of the regular season formula. That could potentially change under first-year coordinator Sean Mannion, however, who is installing a timing-based offense that requires quick decision-making. Regardless, Shipley, the Eagles’ most natural pass-catching running back, stands to see plenty of targets in training camp. The new-look offense will also feature outside zone concepts, which could accentuate Shipley’s running style. Whether Shipley’s role expands under Mannion remains to be seen, but at minimum, the Clemson product is in line for an active camp.

ITB PHOTO/ANDREW DICECCO: Eagles WR Marquise Brown should have ample chances to get on the same page with Jalen Hurts at camp.

WR Hollywood Brown

Brown, in theory, offers a skill set that invites a flurry of fireworks this summer. The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder is lightning-quick in his releases and boasts explosive downfield speed, differentiating himself from a crowded house at his position. Curiously, the vertical element of Brown’s game has never really been fully explored in any of his first seven seasons. For perspective, Brown boasts a career average of 11.6 yards per reception. That said, the Eagles, with Jalen Hurts at quarterback, are a team that could potentially weaponize his speed. Brown won’t be a volume-based pass-catcher in this offense, but the Oklahoma product capitalized on his targets this spring, albeit on short and intermediate routes. Hurts did lob one up for Brown on one occasion, but the pass was well-defended down the sideline by cornerback Riq Woolen. I suspect the Eagles will look to open things up with Brown in camp, attacking deep when the opportunity materializes.

WR Johnny Wilson

Wilson was in the midst of a breakthrough before suffering a season-ending injury late last summer. After a relatively quiet first week of practices, Wilson became a factor in the passing game, showcasing body control and contested-catch ability. He used his frame to outmaneuver defensive backs. The Eagles sorely missed Wilson’s presence as a selfless “dirty work” contributor last season, but the rangy, 6-foot-6 receiver has returned to action and will look to build off an encouraging spring. This spring, Wilson benefited from a number’s shortage at wide receiver, logging valuable first-team reps that could aid his progression. Identifying a big-bodied wideout as a training camp star is typically a cheat code, but I’m more so banking on Wilson’s health and rapport with Hurts as determining factors. Wilson, who flashed during spring practices, will again be in contention for a depth role.

TE Eli Stowers

I’m doubling down on my bullishness for the rookie Stowers, who had a quiet spring. Because he’s a second-round pick, the Eagles will want to get Stowers as many reps as possible to expedite his development, and skill players with his athletic profile and explosiveness typically thrive in a practice setting. Dialing in the blocking component will take some time, but Stowers figures to often find himself in position to cash-in on splash plays as a receiver. I also anticipate the Eagles exploiting Stowers’ alignment versatility, which could also yield favorable results. Stowers, by the way, attended Tight End University, an annual offseason event founded by Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Greg Olson. The three-day program is designed to bring tight ends together from around the league to train and build community. More importantly, though, Stowers was among the Eagles’ pass catchers working out with Hurts in Florida last week. The time on task and team-building component away from the Jefferson Health Training Complex is crucial to building chemistry and developing timing ahead of training camp.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com