The Eagles have a necessity at extensive receiver. It’s an odd want, contemplating that A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are top-of-the-line duos within the NFL. However 2023 confirmed how necessary a reliable third extensive receiver may be.
Offensive design is way in charge however the Eagles passing sport faltered once they couldn’t get Brown or Smith going. Quez Watkins struggled with harm and struggled on the sector to make a distinction and the Eagles have been averse to getting impending free agent Olamide Zaccheus concerned because the third man. As soon as Dallas Goedert went down and the Eagles might solely depend on Brown and Smith to hold the passing sport, issues acquired actually ugly.
The Present Group
Proper now, Brown and Smith are the one two prime receivers below contract after subsequent season (assuming DeVonta Smith’s fifth 12 months choice is picked up or he’s prolonged this summer time). Quez Watkins is a free agent after two straight disappointing seasons and Olamide Zaccheus wil hit the open market after being underutilized in his solely 12 months as an Eagle. Britain Covey has emerged as one of many higher punt returners within the NFL, however he’s unproven as a large receiver on the professional degree. So, the cabinet is fairly naked after Brown and Smith.
Offseason Fixes
Free company can definitely be an choice. The Eagles don’t must spend large to discover a competent third receiver and perhaps they decide to discover a veteran who can instantly make a distinction as a substitute of betting on creating a draft decide.
It’s instructive to have a look at what occurred from 2019-2022 when it got here to the extensive receiver place to indicate how Howie Roseman’s philosophy modified in actual time. The Eagles desperately wanted receiver assist after the 2018 season. They drafted a high-upside participant in JJ Arcega-Whiteside within the second spherical. Arcega-Whiteside barely contributed in 2019, and ultimately busted. The Eagles wanted extensive receiver assist in 2020. Roseman determined to be extra aggressive, utilizing a primary spherical decide this time however nonetheless focusing on what felt like an upside alternative in Jalen Reagor. Everyone knows what occurred then. Within the 2021 offseason, receiver was as soon as once more a prime want. Howie used a primary spherical decide on a rookie once more, however drafted a far “safer” prospect in DeVonta Smith. The ball lastly acquired rolling when it got here to upgrading the positional group, nevertheless it was removed from completely fastened. Smith had a extremely nice rookie season, however the Eagles cross catching core was nonetheless subpar. The Eagles had three first spherical picks in 2022, many thought they’d draft one other receiver… As a substitute Roseman determined the group wanted a confirmed veteran as a substitute of a rookie. Growth. AJ Brown is on the group.
Howie Roseman is aware of the Eagles must solidify their receiving group. A few of the greatest NFL groups within the league now have so many weapons on their roster. They should double down on the truth that they’ve a younger, proficient quarterback and they need to give him ample cross catching choices to succeed. The query this offseason is how do they fill out the group.
The Draft
Fortunately for the Eagle, this draft has some nice extensive receiver depth. Drafting a WR3 within the first spherical can be a questionable use of sources, however this draft might give Philly a day one distinction maker within the second or third rounds. Listed below are some names the Eagles might contemplate.
Xavier Worthy, Texas: Xavier Worthy is perhaps off the checklist after he blows up the mix, however I can stay optimistic for now. Worthy has really sport breaking pace to take the highest off defenses, however can eat up catches in the midst of the sector as nicely. He can be insanely harmful as a 3rd choice on this offense.
Roman Wilson, Michigan: Underutilized in a run heavy offense, Roman Wilson has nice pace, route working, and the power to get yards after the catch. He’s a bit small to be a prime receiver, however can be harmful in a much less excessive quantity position.
Johnny Wilson, FSU: Johnny Wilson might be a mismatch nightmare in Philly. Standing over 6’6”, Wilson is constructed extra like a good finish than a receiver. Might you think about having AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith line up outdoors whereas defenses needed to account for Johnny Wilson and Dallas Goedert in the midst of the sector?
Xavier Legette, South Carolina: Legette might be one other quick riser after the mix. He has nice dimension at practically 230 kilos, standing 6’3” tall. He can decide up powerful yards after the catch and has shocking pace. He’s already drawn some comparisons to AJ Brown at Ole Miss.
Jermaine Burton, Alabama: Pure pace. Jermaine Burton might be a little bit of a one trick pony, however it’s a actually good trick. Think about him stretching the sector in Philadelphia whereas AJ Brown or DeVonta Smith kick inside to the slot.
Different Names to Watch:
Jacob Cowing, Arizona
Malachi Corely, Western Kentucky
Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
Tez Walker, North Carolina
