Eagles WR flying under the radar may finally get his time to shine

It was an under-the-radar fifth-round selection for several reasons when Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith was swooped up by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 draft. This level of talent? This positional flexibility? At pick No. 152?

Finding the first-team All-SEC multi-faceted weapon free for a phone call in the land of day three decisions three seemed a strange concept to some. As in, how was a speed merchant who can also thrive in the slot and at other spots too - available for any general manager's draft day phone call so late?

Well, a solid portion of that intriguing drop on some team's 'big boards' come selection time, which still has to ultimately exhibited on NFL gamedays, was prompted because of a universally feared but all-too aspect of sports - heck, any sport, at any level: Injuries.

Smith was technically a three-star recruit first off. So you know the kid has put in countless hours behind the scenes to take it even this far. He overcame that type of adversity from the jump.

Eagles WR Ainias Smith could break out in a big way in 2025

I'm not here to delve into a pro player or any athlete or person's medical history, or other things for that matter; Smith was a three-star recruit moving up the high school scouting circles, he has the drive to do great things. And when it comes to bumps, bruises, and sometimes worse, we've all seen athletes suffer setbacks be it in a backyard, a big HS showdown, certainly a big-time college football game or two - Smith included.

What I am definitely here to affirm is Smith is still fully capable of taking flight. In a perfect world for the Philly faithful it rings true as an Eagle, but he's certainly on the clock, just like the most of the receiver room actually. Hurts vibes with his decorated duo of star wideouts. There is more than enough room still available at the proverbial table.

He needs to continue to stay out of the tub as much as he can, and that's always a true team effort in every organization in sports. Everyone works hard at it, doing what they are trained to do, and Smith, working hard first and foremost in his own safe way, will have a great shot at success.

If he feels good and his faith and his determination to achieve greatness can be unimpeded by a cruel but all-too real part of the game, then he has an excellent opportunity to find paydirt often, just like he did back in the Lone Star State.

The injuries have included some minor and a bit heavier at A&M, as well as some time certainly missed in Philly as well. I get that. I also know that plenty of really talented, hard-working players go thru setbacks which are absolutely no fault of their own.

So in considering Smith, and his upside, let's remember to celebrate the fact that he is just one single regular season into his brand-new NFL journey. Sure, perhaps he doesn't stick in Philly even. Nothing is out of the question. Things often don't stay the same: roster depth and sudden more pressing needs can be prioritized too.

At the end of the day, so long as he's working hard and also enjoying what he's doing, he's in a good environment to succeed. The Eagles have built a family-like vibe from top to bottom as an organization. Decorated training staff, top of the line facilities, yes, the whole nine. And there are plenty of opportunities to be shared in an offense so dynamic - and an offensive unit still seemingly finding ways to get better each time they take to the field.

Eagles WR Ainias Smith's numbers do not lie

The youngster who compiled over 2,000 total yards while racing to crucial return yards, pivotal rushing attempts, and more in claiming 20203 first-team All-SEC accolades can excel on the gridiron.

Size certainly carries significance for Smith (5-foot-9, 176 pounds) when you're reliant on twitch-ability, swiftly tight-walking thru crowded corridors, showing those hands when he senses a far bigger linebacker or two defenders are waiting in anticipation. You have to think a talent like Smith is getting looked at a bit pre-snap by both his own QB and opposing defenders, not to mention many others. So long as he's out there, dialed up and balling. That's the key.

Racing over the middle or challenging a hungry defense deep in a huge spot; he travels into specific areas on a football field that showcase his determination to make plays for his team. On game tape, Smith has exhibited a willingness to absorb contact and not back down. This much has always been in his football DNA.

So he doesn't shy away from a potential dust-up. As he made plays in spades for Texas A&M, he showed he can and will take it to the house. Dust-up's did occur in college aplenty and hey, who's to say he hasn't learned from that now.? He's a smart kid to make it this far in the first place. The potential to make significant strides can be secure in that area too if he's really diving into his playbook, for example.

Scanning others in that wideout room, I like plenty of what I've seen in small doses from Johnny Wilson. When you can work with and try to really coach up a 6-foot-6 football player with impressive sheer athleticism to boot? Par for the course for No. 89. He definitely has work to do.

So just like Smith in the same young player sense, Wilson needs to improve key attributes. Coachability coupled with determination to improve often times will render successful endings in the long run.

That focus and commitment to excellence builds up behind closed doors, it develops on dimly lit playing fields - weight rooms - the early morning work too - all when no light bulbs are flashing.

As the roster currently stands, another playmaker in the wideout room with quite his sheer upside to make splash plays and sure-handed grabs on third down may not be there. Behind the world-class duo of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, Johan Dotson still looms. He's a bit further along. Folks want Dotson to put it all together as well - it's a pivotal stretch coming up for the former Nittany Lion.

Yes, there are others in the room with chances to really shine in this league too. In due time. This trio appears vying for that open third spot though. Who knows what the waiver wire and so many other factors can lead to?

For now, I see an almost Sproles-like weapon - not saying production - but No. 82 in midnight green can be an a pure slot, ala the perfect option in tight windows with sure hands and speed to burn - Sounds like music to Jalen Hurts' ears potentially.

Just know that when performing, albeit limited thus far for Philadelphia, he has shown what makes him different in the best ways. Flashes. Something is there ready to be unleashed once more. The explosive plays, yes, the less frequent flashes of greatness in Philly too. They are there if you look close enough. Heck, they've always been since before some unfortunate injuries.

There are always moves to be made, maybe he has to start over so to speak once again elsewhere. And Wilson may not quite master those jugs after practice, either. Dotson could truly click in midnight green, while he also might ultimately find success elsewhere, or just be known as a professional football player who still made an impact on many, regardless of stats. So many things can factor into that. Enough on that for now.

The plot always thickens, and there really is no down time in this scenario. Everyone's gotta be working to earn what they feel is rightfully theirs. Smith needs to seize the moment. Every rep counts, every minute of game tape broken down matters, and each meeting at this point is essential for this group.

From where I sit, Smith is the guy I'm still most enamored by in that wideout room behind two Philly legends already split out wide - right here, right now, and beyond - for all the right reasons as well.