Rejuvenating their wide receiver corps through the draft, here’s the Eagles options
28 February 2020 Uncategorized
There’s one thing we know heading into this offseason and it’s that the Philadelphia Eagles are looking to rejuvenate their wide receiver position. And, what better opportunity for them to do so with this loaded wide receiver draft class.
This draft offers the opportunity for the Eagles to not just find starting caliber talent in round one, but round two and three as well. It’s a loaded draft class with tons of talent. Right now, the hype surrounding the Eagles is that they’re looking to use their first round draft pick on a wide receiver and even trade up for one.
Let’s look at some of the options
Trade Up: If the Eagles are to trade up, realistically unless something crazy happens, it’s for Henry Ruggs. Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb will both be top ten picks, it’ll be hard for Eagles to trade up into that spot.
However, have no fear, Ruggs has a lot of potential to not just be a speedster for the Eagles, but an all around number one wideout.
“Ruggs’ speed alone helps both the running and passing games because it forces safeties into more passive positioning. He can work all three levels and his ability to turn slants and crossing routes into big gainers could make him the favorite gift under the tree for a quarterback and offense in need of an explosive weapon. He has quick, sure hands to handle off-target throws, but learning to release, separate and catch against physical NFL cornerbacks could require an adjustment period. He won’t rack up the targets, but has explosive speed and talent to imprint on games with regularity.” (NFL.com)
If the Eagles elect to stay at 21, there’s two realistic option for the Eagles, two options who aren’t far off from the other three wideouts mentions above. Those two wide receivers are Justin Jefferson and Jalen Reagor.
Jefferson did it all for LSU this past season and put up legit numbers. And, after yesterday, he proved he’s fast.
“ A quarterback’s best friend, with the contested-catch focus and extreme ball skills to boost completion percentages. Jefferson failed to stand out as an outside target but saw his stock soar with a monster season from the slot. He has decent speed and separation talent, but he needs to improve as a route-runner, as he’s less likely to see the same freedom in space that LSU’s offense helped create for him. He’s slippery in space and able to stab and save throws with quick hands and fluid body adjustments. Teams looking for an inside/outside possession receiver with the size and savvy to make chain-moving catches could push Jefferson up the board.” (NFL.com)
In regards to Reagor, he could be the most intriguing one. He’s a champion long jumper, he’s athletic and he’s quick. He has all the athletic tools to become a monster on the field. He’s not as polished right now as Jefferson, but he has a lot of upside.
“Spotty quarterback play helped cause a production drop, but his focus and competitiveness also seemed spotty at times. Reagor is a smooth athlete with blazing speed who has more playmaking talent than receiver skill and play-callers need to account for that when determining how to utilize him. He’s electric with the ball in his hands so getting it to him quickly rather than asking him to consistently make plays for himself as a ball-winner could be crucial. When 2019 is balanced against his 2018, the grade and projection begin to climb with a versatile receiver who’s able to spice the offensive gumbo.” (NFL.com).
Both Jefferson and Reagor would be solid additions to the Eagles offense. Jefferson could become Carson Wentz’s go to target right away. Reagor brings speed and field stretching ability. You cannot go wrong either way.
If the Eagles do elect to address wide receiver in the later rounds a few names to watch are KJ Hamler, Donovan Peoples-Jones, KJ Hill and Denzel Mims. However, if the Eagles want an immediate playmaker, the round one talent is the way to go. This class is loaded though, so going for two wide receivers also wouldn’t hurt.
This draft offers the Eagles the chance to address the wide receiver position and solidify it for years to come. They’ve had a hard time drafting wide receivers in the past, they cannot miss on them this year.
Photo Credit: Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Ryan Neal Denzel Mims, Henry Ruggs, Jalen Reagor, Justin Jefferson, KJ Hamler, KJ Hill