Each offseason, dark horses embark on spirited quests to stick on 53-man rosters throughout the NFL. And as the dog days of summer set in for the Philadelphia Eagles, lineman John Ojukwu is striving to show his worth in the city of brotherly love.
The fourth-year man out of Boise State spent his first three seasons as a member of the Tennessee Titans, bouncing between the active roster and practice squad. And after inking his futures deal with Philadelphia back in January, the Idaho native now has a golden opportunity in front of him.
John McMullen of Sports Illustrated took note of the lineman during OTA's on a handful of occasions, as he assumed a spot in the pecking order that was certainly interesting:
"The second-team OL from left to right was Fred Johnson, Myles Hinton, Jake Majors, Drew Kendall, and John Ojukwu. The third team was Hollin Pierce, Jaedan Roberts, Willie Lampkin, Micah Morris and Cameron Williams."
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And while that day in camp saw Markel Bell slide in with the first team amid the absence of Lane Johnson, Ojukwu was still working with the second team, marking an intriguing observation of the third-year man.
In addition, McMullen highlighted perhaps the most sought-after characteristic for the Eagles organization among linemen: versatility.
"Spring rewind: John Ojukwu was cross-training at tackle and guard this spring. Lesser-known signing who spent three years in Tennessee and started nine games over that span."
#Eagkes spring rewind: John Ojukwu was cross-training at tackle and guard this spring. Lesser-known signing who spent three years in Tennessee and started nine games over that span pic.twitter.com/Ih1MOpdOD1
— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) June 27, 2026
For Ojukwu (6-foot-5, 309), the opportunity to earn a backup spot is there for the taking. With nine career NFL starts under his belt, the swing tackle who is also training at guard lands in the mix for a team that has seen the recent departures of two valued, veteran backups in Brett Toth and Matt Pryor.
Durability and consistency (43 consecutive starts, 51 career starts) were calling cards for Ojukwu while suiting up in Boise. As a former team captain and first-team All-Mountain West honoree, Ojukwu wrapped up his time at Boise State by keeping his quarterback spotless, with no sacks allowed in his senior campaign.
New offensive line coach Chris Kuper brings a fresh pair of eyes into the fold as well, in essence providing all competing linemen in camp a clean slate to show and prove. Second-year linemen Myles Hinton and Drew Kendall have their work cut out for them, and FA acquisition Michael Jordan must also earn his keep in the trenches.
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Ojukwu has arrived via his futures contract with intriguing talent to consider throughout the decision-making process. Spots are there for the taking, and he's certainly got a shot to make this squad.
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