The NFL combine officially kicks off on February 27th and this year promises to be a special one for the Wide Receiver position. A class this deep has been unheard of in the history of the NFL - yes it’s that loaded. Fortunately, that's a great thing for the Eagles. Whether they trade up, trade down, or stay put; one of these 9 prospects will most definitely be on their draft board.
CeeDee Lamb
Oklahoma - 6’2” 198Lbs
I know what you’re thinking. "Not possible, he’s out of our reach!" No one is out of reach for Howie “Long Arms” Roseman! Ok, that was corny but you get the point! CeeDee Lamb is a match made in heaven for Wentz and this offense. Lamb has the ability to take the top off a defense while also having the ability to break free with the ball in his hands. The best part about his game is his ability to track the deep ball, something that most, if not all, Eagles receivers lack outside of DeSean Jackson.
In 2019, CeeDee Lamb also broke 26 tackles while averaging 11.0 YAC, another key ingredient missing in the Eagles recipe. Lamb led the Big 12 with 14 receiving touchdowns on 62 receptions with 1,327 receiving yards to follow. If the Eagles are able to trade up or by some miracle sees Lamb fall to 21, He will be the WR1 that all of Philadelphia has been waiting for.
Henry Ruggs III
Alabama - 5’11” 188lbs
Labeled as the fastest receiver in the draft, Henry Ruggs will have all of Indianapolis waiting for the results of his 40 time. Ruggs finished his college career with 98 receptions and 1,716 receiving yards plus 1,791 scrimmage yards. Ruggs has no problem switching into another gear as he averaged 17.5 YPC while also averaging 9.0 YAC. Ruggs’ elusiveness was on display as he also broke 19 tackles.
Unlike many deep threats, Ruggs is as sure-handed as can be with only dropping 5 passes in his entire collegiate career. Depending on his combine results, Ruggs could be the second wideout taken off the board as most teams will covet the speedster. Ruggs has the potential to be a surefire WR1/WR2 in the NFL depending on what teams acquires his talents.
Tee Higgins
Clemson - 6’4” 216 lbs
Probably one of the most underrated, if not my favorite prospect of the WR class. Tee Higgins is a monster, standing at 6’4”. While he is taller than most speed receivers, Higgins has incredible breakaway speed still, He hauled in 15 of 23 deeps targets. Now I know what you’re thinking, the Eagles already have two “50/50” receivers. Well, here's the thing, Alshon has no speed and may be on his way out and while the jury is still out on JJAW, Higgins would be the most complete receiver on this roster. He plays well from all three receiving spots, and has great body control and ball skills as well. Tee Higgins is sure to make a huge impact on whatever team drafts him.
Jalen Reagor
TCU - 5’11” 206 lbs
Reagor’s stock continues to increase as the combine begins. He’s probably one of the most electric players in this draft at his position. Reagor brings everything you need in a young receiver: Speed, versatility, explosiveness, and the whole 9 yards.
Reagor’s production dropped due to inconsistent play from the QB position at TCU but that still shouldn’t allow teams to overlook him. He’s a wizard with the ball in his hands but at times may have questionable receiving skills. All in all, Reagor should absolutely be a first-round option for the Eagles. With Moorehead leading the wideouts, he’ll have his hands full with excitement if the birds take Reagor.
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Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
KJ Hamler
Penn State - 5’9” 178 lbs
Another one of my favorite players in the draft who may also be underrated due to his size, KJ Hamler is a difference-maker. He has more than enough speed to burn while also bringing any offense some versatility if they’re in need of a gadget player.
Hamler has already mentioned that he hopes his best friend, Miles Sanders has put in a good word for him with the Eagles brass in which Sanders responded, “You think I didn’t?!” Hamler is tough as nails an also models his game after another Eagles player, DeSean Jackson.
The rapid wideout makes all the sense in the world as the Eagles are going to need an explosive slot receiver and a wideout that can take the top off any defense. The tried it with Agholor and well, you know how that went. The only concern heading into the NFL for KJ will be his size but if used correctly, he’ll for sure be a difference-maker.
Brandon Aiyuk
Arizona State - 6’0” 205 lbs
Aiyuk is one of the purest receivers of this draft. He has size and speed. He has terrific ability as a pass-catcher with even better RAC ability. He also averaged 18.3 yards per catch for Arizona State in 2019.
Aiyuk has a unique ability to turn the burners on at any moment, a big play receiver that can also help in the creativity aspect of a team's game plan. Just like Hamler, Aiyuk can also be used as a gadget player with his smooth ability to run from the backfield with the vision of a running back.
This is all reflected in his versatile play, but he is expected to be a WR2/WR3 depending on where he lands.
Antonio Gandy-Golden
Liberty - 6’4” 223 lbs
Gandy Golden. Probably one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft. Antonio has a unique skillset just like Tee Higgins and also has sneaky speed for a big guy. His catch radius is wider than most and his ability to run after the catches great a well.
One thing that I admire about his game is his ability to track the ball and adjust his path whenever necessary which, again, is something that most Eagles receivers lack. He made huge improvements in his catching ability from 2018-2019 but still has work to be done in his route running. Gandy-Golden could be a big draft steal in the later rounds unless he drastically improves his stock at the combine.
Van Jefferson
Florida - 6’1” 200 lbs
Van Jefferson won’t blow you away with breakaway speed but will throw corners off with his unique route-running skills. He’s great against press coverage and excels from the slot position. The Florida product has very strong hands that allow him to protect the ball at his point of catch.
Even though he lacks the explosiveness that you would want in a slot receiver, Van has a great ability to get the ball upfield right after the catch for more yards.
Denzel Mims
Baylor - 6’3” 207 lbs
Mims is a unique combination of speed, height, and weight. According to his agent, Mims can absolutely run a 4.35, which for a receiver at his height is great. He’s a great deep ball threat but lacks the ability to fully separate himself from his defenders. Mims is a terrific prospect but may have to be pushed a bit at the next level.
Some scouts feel he lacks focus on his route running and on his ability to catch the 50/50 balls. Although he has a tremendous catch radius, Mims has to want it more than the next guy if he wants to tap into his full potential. If Mims can do that then he'll be a tremendous “Z” receiver in the NFL.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
