Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Ja'Corey Brooks

Tuesday, August 19, 9:35 AM

Second-year Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith has enjoyed a healthy training camp, and his coaches have taken notice. Last season, as a fifth-round rookie, he struggled through camp with a stress fracture in his shin that would eventually land him on Injured Reserve for two months. This year, he is healthy and competing for one of the Eagles' last receiver spots on the 53-man roster. He has played in each of the team's first two preseason games, catching a touchdown in both and returning punts and kicks, as his path to the roster may run through special teams. Smith has been competing with fellow second-year wideout Johnny Wilson and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper for one of the team's final roster spots, and on Sunday, the Eagles acquired former second-round pick John Metchie III from the Houston Texans. Whoever can win the camp battle will have little relevance in managed redraft leagues, but could be worth a stash in deep dynasty formats.

Saturday, August 9, 12:32 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks led the team in receiving in their first preseason game against the Patriots, catching all five targets for 59 yards. The 2025 undrafted free agent stepped in to play the majority of the second half and made the most of his opportunity. Brooks, a former five-star recruit out of high school, played at Alabama before transferring to Louisville for a season. He has good size at 6'2", 190 pounds, and posted over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns in his final collegiate season. However, his poor athletic testing dragged him down in the draft process. With the Terry McLaurin contract situation and the state of the Commanders' receiver room, there is an opportunity for Brooks to make the roster as the sixth receiver. He'll need to continue to stack positive days at practice as well as produce when the lights come on for him to have a chance.