OTAs have arrived for the 2026 Philadelphia Eagles, and the number of storylines to monitor is too much for the fan base.
It also brings the first chance for fans to watch the new changes take effect after a very, very long offseason for the Eagles. There will be plenty of familiar faces there, while some new players are hitting the field for the first time in Philly.
Eagles fans should be watching at least these five players at OTAs, as they have some fascinating storylines, whether it's proving themselves or it's their first time in the midnight green.
Makai Lemon, WR
It's been a long time since an Eagles first-round pick has had as much pressure as the 2025 Fred Biletnikoff winner does, since Lemon is taking over for A.J. Brown in the starting lineup. Lemon has received a lot of praise so far from his coaches, so it is looking good, but practice is the first step to seeing him in action. Eagles fans hope that he can get off to a fast start.
Lane Johnson, RT
Johnson is a future Hall of Famer, but Eagles fans are interested in seeing how he responds after suffering the foot injury that cost him the final eight games of the season. The hope is the 2026 season isn't his final ride, but with his recent injury issues, it very much could be. How Johnson looks in OTAs will help ease the fan base's minds that he can still be dominant at the right tackle spot.
Jalyx Hunt, EDGE
Hunt exploded with a big 2025 season as he led the Eagles in sacks (6.5) and interceptions (three) last year. Now coming into his third year in the NFL, the big leap should be taking place for him as he will be in the rotation with Jonathan Greenard and Nolan Smith at edge rusher. There's an opening for Hunt to take over Smith as a starter, so a big showing at OTAs could go a long way.
Marcus Epps, S
While Epps might not be the most exciting player on the field, he might be facing the most pressure as he potentially will take over for Reed Blankenship in the starting lineup for 2026 at safety. The biggest roster concern for the Eagles in 2026 is at safety, so Epps will be battling for a starting spot. After showing that he can do well last year in replacing Andrew Mukuba when he got hurt, Epps has a chance to stay in the lineup and this season play an even bigger role, but he must prove it at OTAs.
Read more: Vic Fangio's update on Jalen Carter is a warning NFL teams can't afford to ignore
Jalen Hurts, QB
Of course, the Eagles fan base has to watch what Hurts does in his first OTAs with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion calling the plays. Hurts has taken a lot of heat for not being coachable and for changing plays in the huddle, so he needs to show he can do whatever is asked of him. OTAs are a good place to show that he's taking the proper first steps to get there and improve.
Add us as a preferred source on Google