Philadelphia Eagles training camp is featuring some of the most competitive position battles the team has seen in a long time.
The one that will jump out at everyone is the final spot or two at wide receiver. DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, and Hollywood Brown are guaranteed spots on the team. It's Elijah Moore, Johnny Wilson, and Darius Cooper fighting for the last spot on the 53-man roster.
Early predictions seen Wilson or Moore making the final cut. A report out of the first practice shows that Cooper has something to say about that.
"Darius Cooper made an impressive diving catch over the middle from a Jalen Hurts throw," Bleeding Green Nation's Brandon Lee Gowton reported. "Cooper picking up where he left off from last summer."
Eagles' 2025 training camp darling isn't going to make it easy on them
Cooper came out of nowhere last preseason as an undrafted free agent out of Tarleton State. He was not seen as a viable option to make the team, but he fought his way onto the 53-man roster.
Last season, he primarily played on special teams but did see action on offense. Cooper finished with nine receptions on 11 targets for 92 yards in 13 games.
Entering training camp, things will be tougher for Cooper to make the team. Moore has been an efficient WR3 in this league over the years. Wilson is coming off an ACL injury at training camp last year, but if that hadn't happened, he might have made the roster over Cooper.
It's going to take a lot for Cooper to prove himself to be worthy of a roster spot over Moore and Wilson. First, his continued effort on special teams is going to separate him from two guys who are not known for playing well on that unit. Cooper will continue to have to make spectacular plays like the one he made with Hurts.
Last year, Cooper earned Hurts's respect to the point that the two spent a lot of time together. Cooper wasn't with the rookies for extra developmental time after practice in training camp. He was catching passes from Hurts and getting coached up.
Read more: Nick Sirianni didn't clear much up about key Eagles position battle
Cooper knows how important these reps are and shows it in every play he makes. Philadelphia's favorite training camp darling from 2025 is back to being the guy the city fell in love with last season.
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