Eagles expected to work out former SEC, Cardinals wide receiver ahead of training camp

From being a member of the Player 54 brand to standing on the doorstep of an NFL opportunity, JaVonta Parker has a lot on his mind. The Philadelphia Eagles begin training camp on July 25th when the rookies report. The veterans join the mix two days later on July 27th.

Parker hopes to be fitted for a helmet and some shoulder pads of his own. He's getting a chance to work out for the reigning NFC Champions.

Here's a little background on potential Eagles prospect JaVonta Parker as he prepares for the opportunity of a lifetime.

Let's rewind the tape. The first time that most of us were introduced to JaVonta Parker was in 2019 when he was a member of the Mississippi State Bulldogs after beginning his career with Northwest Community College in Mississippi as a JUCO star.

Playing in the toughest division of college football's best conference, the 2019 and 2020 NCAA football seasons saw him collect 28 receptions for 372 yards. He reached the end zone once in 2020 before transferring from the SEC West to the conference's Eastern Division to join the Tennessee Volunteers.

While the stats he produced as a member of both programs won't wow anyone, he managed to turn a few heads in Knoxville. He snagged 18 receptions for 413 yards and found his way into the end zone six times. His six-foot-one, 180-pound frame helped him land on a few radars, most notably the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent the 2022 NFL season.

Things didn't work out in Zona, so he tried his hand at some spring football, representing the XFL's Arlington Renegades and the Orlando Guardians this past season. He hauled in 11 catches for 164 receiving yards. It was announced via XFL's Twitter account on Friday evening that he'll work out with the Eagles ahead of their training camp.

The Eagles' training camp roster stands at 89 players and second-year offensive lineman Josh Sills. He has been listed as a special exemption, so Philly may have to move someone off of the roster to make room for Payton if he earns an opportunity to compete for a job.

Still, but with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Olamide Zaccheaus, Quez Watkins, Devon Allen, Britain Covey, Jadon Haselwood, Joseph Ngata, Greg Ward, Charleston Rambo, and Tyrie Cleveland already on the roster as Philly's wideouts, it seems unlikely that, even if Payton has a successful tryout, that he'll be able to catapult himself up the depth chart and onto the roster.

Here's something he has working for him. Payton showed some talent as a returner with Mississippi State. Ten career kick returns have resulted in 203 yards and a return average of 20.3.

Here are a few other Eagles stories to keep you busy.