The 2020 NFL Draft is quickly approaching and the Philadelphia Eagles are in a position to be active in an intriguing piece of the puzzle. With a possible ten selections in hand and a sturdy roster with some obvious holes, the Eagles will look to answer as many questions as possible come April. Understandably, that could make them one of the more volatile teams in terms of positional targets. That in combination with GM Howie Roseman's penchant for moving around the draft, Philadelphia could be a major wildcard in this year's event.
The one element that does seem to be set in stone is that the Eagles will target a wide receiver early in the draft. Whether that means addressing the position in the first round or on day two, it seems inevitable that there will be a new rookie receiver in Philly come the summer. Luckily, because this is one of the deepest wide receiver drafts in recent memory, the Eagles will have their pick of the lot.
A bevvy of options can be a blessing and a curse for a team looking to hit on a sure thing. Philadelphia has had a disheartening track record with drafting wide receivers and could come under scrutiny if the man they choose doesn't pan out. A year after selecting J.J. Arcega-Whiteside over Seahawks' receiver and athlete extraordinaire D.K. Metcalf and Washington's rookie standout Terry McLaurin, the Eagles will be under the microscope in 2020.
One of the major issues for the Birds seems to be that they're not exactly sure what they want out of their receivers. After trying over and over again to cash in on late-round speedsters and special teams contributors to no avail, the team changed it's tone and selected the big-bodied redzone threat Arcega-Whiteside. At a crossroads with Nelson Agholor's free agency and Alshon Jeffery's weighty contract, Philadelphia has an opportunity to build their receiving corps of the future. The identity of said group still seems to be very much up in the air. PSN's head honcho and all-around-good-guy Liam Jenkins broke down the sticky predicament the Eagles have painted themselves into:
https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2020/02/11/wr1/
Quite astutely, Liam breaks down the athletic profile Doug Pederson targets for his receivers into three categories:
1) Size2) Speed3) Yards after catch ability and route running
While the order of these three skill sets could change with the weather, it rings true that Pederson and the Eagles' front office have placed a premium on size and speed since the beginning of his tenure. Pass catchers like Jeffery, Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert have all found a home in the quick to mid-range passing attack with the use of their long frames and steady hands. DeSean Jackson was brought in to remedy the Eagles' need for a home-run hitter with elite speed that the team has desperately needed since his first stint in midnight green. On the other hand, yards after catch specialist Golden Tate came and went without much fanfare and never really seemed to mesh with the offensive scheme. On that note, I will be adding a fourth category to the list for this analysis as a bottom line:
4) Scheme fit
For the purpose of this article, we'll assume that the Eagles will once again put a premium on size and speed in 2020. In addition, we'll presume that they will look to add players who's skill set somewhat resembles the options they already have in-house. Overall, we will be considering how the player will fit in the Eagles' offence, while taking into account the three criteria put forth by LJ.
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Trade Up
CeeDee Lamb | Oklahoma
Size: 6'2", 189 lbs.
Lamb has prototypical length for an NFL receiver. He's long and lean, but is much stronger and more physical than his weight would suggest. With a fantastic catch radius, he's what you want physically out of your number one receiver.
Speed: This category will be much easier to answer following the combine, but my guess is he'll run in the 4.4 - 4.5 range. He's unbelievably quick and has a very good get-off but there will be receivers with a faster top end speed in the draft. He had no trouble getting behind the defense at Oklahoma, but realistically he had no trouble doing much of anything this season.
YAC and route running: Lamb has unbelievable yards after the catch ability. He's got a fantastic feel for getting to the open space and can exploit holes in the blink of an eye. He got a little too fancy at times in college, but that's really just being nit-picky. As a route runner, he is polished. Due to his length, he can take longer to gear down than smaller receivers, but overall he's a very accomplished route runner. His get-off is solid and he has a lot of tricks in his bag. Because of his big play ability, he wasn't pressed all that much, but has the athletic profile to suggest breaking press won't be much of an issue.
Scheme fit: In a perfect world, Lamb would be in an Eagles jersey in September. He's exactly the type of long receiver with vertical speed and versatility that the Eagles want for their offence. He most certainly won't be available when Philadelphia picks at 21 and it's fair to question if the Eagles have enough capital to move up to a position to steal him. This is probably a wasted write up, but we here at PSN are nothing if not thorough.
Jerry Jeudy | Alabama
Size: 6'1", 192 lbs.
He's not quite the physical specimen that Lamb is, but Jeudy is an athlete in his own right. His height, length and weight are all middling, but that hasn't stopped him from being a top recruit coming out of high school, nor college. However, play strength will be a concern for some scouts. His ability to track the football in the air and his solid hands somewhat makes up for the lack of length.
Speed: Again, I wish I could include 40-times. Jeudy himself predicted a 4.34, which would be a very good time for him. His game is more predicated on lateral quickness than vertical speed, but he's simply explosive and has definitely got the ability to outrun defenders. He's also got an innate knack for separating from defenders, so it's difficult to really tell just how fast he can be. A mid to low 4.3 40-time could vault him quite high in the draft.
YAC and route running: This is where Jeudy shines. He's probably the best route runner coming out of college in recent memory. He can run anything in the playbook. It's not just physical ability either. Jeudy's best asset may come between his ears. He's got an incredible feel for space and a habit of turning defenders inside out with fantastic footwork and twitchy bursts. That all lends to his ability after the catch, where he's among the most dangerous in the class.
Scheme fit: An interesting proposition. His talent will make him a good fit for almost any team that selects him. However, he ran most of his routes out of the slot at Alabama and that will likely be where he does the most damage in the NFL. On one hand, Jeudy could be everything the Eagles hoped Agholor would be.
On the other, the offense has struggled to manufacture YAC opportunities for their best creators outside of quick screens and crossing routes. He's a possession slot receiver with some outside versatility that would demand attention both from the defense and from the offensive scheme. Obviously his ability to take any pass to the house is tantalizing and Philadelphia could use that kind of threat out of their slot receiver. I actually like the fit, but it would require some creativity out of Doug. Maybe that's exactly what the Eagles need.
Henry Ruggs III | Alabama
Size: 6'0", 190 lbs.
Obviously size isn't Ruggs' main trait. Still, he's not as tiny as other speedsters we've seen like last year's first round pick Marquise Brown. He's shown he can take a lick and keep on ticking, but NFL hits can be a different monster. His catch radius is about what you expect, but because of his speed he's rarely in contested catch situations. His play strength and competitive toughness are surprising for a guy his size.
Speed: He ran a 4.25 at his Junior Pro Day last season. I'm not sure if it's physically possible for him to improve that time, but he's definitely a candidate to put the pressure on John Ross for the record. Ruggs is lighting in a bottle. He'll command a safety over top on every play and can turn quick passes into huge gains just by out-running everyone.
YAC and route running: Speed kills and Ruggs is no exception. He's not quite as wiggly as some of his counterparts, but will make you miss all the same. His vertical releases and speed in and out of his breaks are impressive, but his route tree isn't full. Forcing him to run diverse or complex routes would be misusing his skill set anyways. He's great at what he does -- no need to complicate matters.
Scheme fit: DeSean Jackson part two. For his rookie season, the Eagles may have to find a way to get him and DeSean on the field at the same time, but it's only a matter of time before Jackson is surpassed by another speedster. Does Pederson follow his mentor Andy Reid and infuse as much speed as possible at the wide receiver position? It worked for the Chiefs.
The biggest question with Ruggs is will the Eagles have to move up for him. If he runs a 4.25, the answer is probably yes. NFL teams covet generational speed and this year will be no exception. From picks 10-20 there are plenty of teams that could use a deep threat. Unless there are lots of moves for a quarterback or Ruggs has a bad combine, I don't think he'll be around at 21.
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Stay Put
Laviska Shenault Jr. | Colorado
Size: 6'2", 220 lbs.
Shenault is a specimen - big, broad, long, thick. Whatever adjective you want to use, he's big and strong and what teams want out of their number one. He doesn't necessarily pop of the screen as a physically imposing guy, but he uses his body well and won't be out muscled.
Speed: For a man his size, impressive. Apparently he runs a sub 4.40, but I'm not convinced; seems like somewhere in the 4.4s is about right. He may not quite reach the levels of DK Metcalf combine dominance, but he's probably the best candidate to come close. Whatever he does end up running, he's fast on film, takes no time at all to get going and rarely gets brought down from behind.
YAC and route running: He'll have no trouble racking up yards after the catch, or after contact. Fantastic contact balance mixed with a natural feel for space makes him a very potent threat with the ball in his hands. Shenault can make you miss or run you over. His route running is raw, but he did run a lot of different routes at Colorado. Physical ability allows him to make plays even if his routes aren't perfect.
Scheme fit: As a guy that does a bit of everything, you'd be hard pressed to find a team he doesn't fit with. Coming from a fairly dysfunctional offence, Shenault may take a year or two before he hits full form. He would be afforded that in Philly. He ran all kinds of stuff in college (including wild cat and reverses) and it's difficult to figure what he's best at or how he should be featured. Therefore, he too would force Doug Pederson and staff to get creative.
Consistency and production are lacking with only one 1,000 yard season, and there is a chance, however small, that he never becomes a polished receiver. For a team that desperately needs to get it right, there may be a few question marks left unanswered.
The other question is where do you put him this year? He projects as a solid option to overtake Alshon's spot in the offense, but that was supposed to be Arcega-Whiteside's role. Drafting Laviska may mean that experiment is already over. Could he be your big slot receiver? That also leaves the spot of future deep threat left unresolved.
If rumors that Alshon may be on his way out of Philly, the Eagles could be in desperate need of an X receiver and Shenault would be an intriguing option -- one that is immediately more versatile than Arcega-Whiteside. With the talent he has, all this speculation is ultimately splitting hairs -- but if the Eagles do take Laviska, it may take a few weeks for him to break out.
There are some new health concerns that may cause some stir, but I doubt it would cause him to fall out of the first round.
Jalen Reagor | Texas Christian
Size: 5'11", 195 lbs.
Undersized, but has some bounce which allows him to play bigger than his stature with the ball in the air. He reminds me a lot of Tyreek Hill size-wise, but he's an inch taller and about ten pounds heavier. Still, he does his best to avoid contact and won't always sacrifice his body to make catches over the middle.
Speed: Even with such a stacked class, he may be the quickest receiver of the bunch. He goes 0 to 60 in the blink of and eye and has no trouble maintaining his top speed or changing direction. He'll likely run in the low 4.3s, but his on-field speed profiles like a 4.2 guy.
YAC and route running: Reagor is a human joystick, regularly making defenders look silly. That can get him into negative yardage situations where he tries to do to much, but that will lessen with experience. He truly has the ability to make something out of nothing. One knock is that he doesn't seem to love contact with the ball in his hands. His route tree was limited in college, but still managed to showcase his crafty route running. He's just slippery.
Scheme fit: I personally think Reagor may be exactly what this offense needs. He's a slot guy with outside versatility that offers you speed along with silky smooth route running. The drop issue could rear it's ugly head again and he doesn't offer much in the way of blocking, but I think he gives you enough in other facets to cover for that. He also has return value, which the Eagles are in need of.
The biggest problem is I think 21 is too early for Reagor, but he won't be around when the Eagles pick in the second. If he's your guy you have to get him, but I just don't think he's Philly's wheelhouse unless he falls to them in the second. I don't know if fans would be entirely thrilled with Reagor at 21, especially if a guy like K.J. Hamler could be had in the second round.
Tee Higgins | Clemson
Size: 6'4", 216 lbs.
Long, large and in charge, Higgins is the premier size guy in this year's draft class. He adds incredibly sure hands to his already unbelievably wide catch radius. You'd like to see him use his length and size a bit more against opposing dbs, and you'd expect better blocking. Nevertheless, for a team looking to play "above the rim", Higgins is your guy.
Speed: Minimal. He made a living running vertical routes at Clemson, but owed more to his length and leverage than speed. He's got a good understanding of how to use his natural ability to win routes, which makes up for some lack of athleticism. However, because of his incredible length, his strides will pick up speed and if allowed to release downfield, he will surprise some opponents. His lateral quickness and agility aren't noteworthy.
YAC and route running: Higgins ran a very limited route tree in college. His football IQ would lend to him diversifying, but he won't ever be a premier route runner. At his size, he should get more credit than he does, but there is noticeable rounding at the top of his routes and his breaks aren't exactly sudden. He doesn't offer as much as a yards after catch specialist either. He will cause some trouble for smaller DBs by simply being too big to bring down and will make the occasional man miss.
Scheme fit: If the Eagles do move on from Alshon, Higgins' name would immediately become part of the conversation. I think the Eagles want a bit more versatility out of their receivers, but Higgins shows just enough finesse to warrant some hope in that regard. All signs would point to Arcega-Whiteside taking a back seat if Higgins was the pick. From the outside looking in, drafting another big, tall, basketball player seems like the opposite of where the Eagles want to go. Nonetheless, you can never go wrong getting your franchise quarterback a receiver as sure handed as Higgins.
Draft-wise, his projections are all over the place. Being a champion affords you some sort of boost up the boards, but holes are beginning to be poked in his game. There is no denying Higgins' track record. However, a lack of versatility does not exactly lend to the modern NFL and teams are starting to look for more from their number one receivers. Therefore, he could find himself going as early as the latter half of the first round, or falling to the mid second (maybe even further down the list). This will likely depend on if he can show some athleticism at the combine.
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Day 2
K.J. Hamler | Penn State
Size: 5'9", 179 lbs.
There are obvious limitations in the size department. There's no lack of want to in his game, but his physical ceiling is evident. He does have some room to add weight to his frame. He's actually got some pretty impressive contact balance for a guy his size.
Speed: Check. Hamler's lateral quickness is unmatched. His initial burst is lightning quick. There are some questions about his long speed, but he had no trouble separating in college. I don't think he's quite as fast as Reagor or Ruggs, but it will be an exciting 40 yard dash.
YAC and route running: He's the one receiver in the class that may be able to out-slippery Jalen Reagor. Hamler probably has the most exciting highlight reel of any of the guys mentioned in this article, but I suppose that depends on what you're into. The herky-jerky movements he uses to create false steps are brilliant and he has the quickness and wherewithal to capitalize. As a route runner, he is very smooth and offers a lot in the way of diversity. He also shows an impressive understanding for when and where to break his route off -- not just all speed, this guy.
Scheme fit: I mean . . . it's almost too easy. The Eagles keep him in state and add another electric playmaker to their roster. The team took two Penn State guys last year and have shown a predisposition to certain schools in the past -- perhaps Hamler is another name to add to that list. He can slide right in at the slot position.
Where I mentioned that the Eagles have had trouble manufacturing touches for YAC specialists, I don't feel Hamler poses the same problem. He runs a diverse selection of routes and made a living turning simple pitch-and-catches into big gains. He doesn't mind going over the middle and has good tracking ability when releasing vertically. I think his versatility means you don't have to try so hard to manufacture touches for him. He reminds me a lot of Miles Sanders, just at a different position.
Brandon Aiyuk | Arizona State
Size: 6'0", 201 lbs.
Aiyuk lacks some length, but has a solid frame that will transition well to the pros. He's tough and has a body that can take a few hits and keep trucking.
Speed: He's above average in both lateral quickness and top end speed. He really kicks into a new gear with the ball in his hands and is hard to catch once he hits his stride. Aiyuk also has a knack for finding green grass and is a constant home run threat in a multitude of ways.
YAC and route running: Aiyuk shows some proficiency in running routes so long as he's not interrupted by strong press coverage. However, there is some room for growth in this area and his routes are not refined. He has the talent to move around the formation and run routes out of the slot or on the outside. After the catch is where he really shines. He's creative, twitchy and has a real burst when allowed a yard of open space. He may find it differently than speedsters like Hamler and Reagor, but he's no less of a danger with the ball in his hands.
Scheme fit: With a few years to learn the system, Aiyuk could be a great fit for Doug Pederson's offense. He's a good candidate for a large slot receiver that can hurt you after the catch. Of course, that's what we thought of Golden Tate, who offers a lot of the same traits as Aiyuk. I think the rookie offers a bit more speed and outside versatility, but the same question of how to integrate him into the offence may arise. A pick spent on the Arizona State prospect is a bet on his upside. With some talent currently on the roster in the pass-catching department, the Eagles could afford to let him learn. However, in a perfect world, I think they're looking for more of a plug and play player.
Another guy who'd projection is all over the place, Aiyuk has been mentioned in mocks as early as the Eagles' first round pick. It all depends when the run on receivers happens, but for now he seems to carry a second round valuation. If a team decides his ceiling warrants an early selection, or he has an impressive combine, it's plausible he goes early in the second round.
Justin Jefferson | Louisiana State
Size: 6'3", 192 lbs.
Jefferson is a long receiver with a lean frame. However, there aren't many receivers at this point in the draft with more tenacity or desire. He's a physical blocker and a tough pass-catcher over the middle. Strong hands and a good catch radius made him Joe Burrow's best friend at LSU.
Speed: He doesn't have top caliber speed, but has good initial burst and impressive change of direction skills. That being said, he's not a slow receiver by any means. His 40-time probably won't jump off the screen, but he will carry over his ability to separate into the NFL.
YAC and route running: Mentally and physically, Jefferson is a very talented route runner. It takes some careful study to really appreciate the nuance in his releases and breaks. You'd like to see more physicality from a man his size, but that is one of those traits that can be coached up. He'll have no trouble being a dependable possession receiver at the next level. With the ball in his hands, he'll consistently lower his shoulder for extra yards and may even run some people over. He won't break many ankles.
Scheme fit: Jefferson would be a solid option for the Eagles as a possession heavy X receiver. Carson Wentz can never have too many reliable receivers and he and Jefferson would become quick friends in the same way Burrow loved to look his way. He reminds me a lot of Miami's Devante Parker, who has been longed after by many Eagles fans over the past few years -- rightfully so. Again in this scenario there are ramifications for Arcega-Whiteside. It would be interesting to see how Jefferson would perform when moved around the formation, it wasn't all that inciting when it happened at LSU.
The early draft process seems to undervalue Jefferson and there's a real possibility he starts to climb up the second round as draft season continues. Still, it seems as if he'll be right in play for the Eagles at 53.
Denzel Mims | Baylor
Size: 6'3", 206 lbs.
He's got really good size for an X receiver, although he could use some more weight on his frame. As a jump ball specialist, there aren't many better -- he's got the physical attributes and a canny ability to track the football.
Speed: A former track athlete, Mimshas way more juice than you'd expect from a man his size. He has an impressive top speed once he gets going and some burst to his step off the line. His lateral quickness could use some work and will never be one of the strong facets of his game. If he runs well, he's probably a 4.5 guy, but could reasonably add or lose .1 without too much shock.
YAC and route running: Herein lies the biggest shortcomings of Mims' toolbox. He's not a terrible route runner, but he lacks nuance and his frame doesn't lend to suddenness. Some of this can be coached up, some of it cannot. He has the requisite understanding to manipulate defenders in spite of his physical limitations. With the ball in his hands, he does well to take the space in front of him and fall forwards. He won't likely make anyone miss but he's tough to bring down and will fight for extra yards.
Scheme fit: I will take this time to say I am a huge personal fan of Mims' game. Something about his mental toughness and desire just jumps off the tape. I think he's arguably a better all-around prospect than Tee Higgins, with a higher ceiling but a lower floor. He may also provide more versatility when it's all said and done. The Eagles could do much worse for a day two player.
Schematically, he projects as another player to overtake Alshon's duties should he part. I've mentioned before that this seems to be contrary to the direction the Eagles are heading; and the adverse effects this will have on Arcega-Whiteside. Mims' price tag will likely coincide with his showing at the combine, but he currently projects as a mid round-two selection. That's right in the Eagles' cross-hairs should they go that direction.
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Final Thoughts
Eagles fans may not want to hear it, but I think there's a growing possibility the team forgoes a first round receiver in hopes they can get a guy in the second round. Unless a lot changes between now and April, the top three guys will be gone by pick 21. That leaves Laviska Shenault Jr. in a solo race for next-guy-off-the-board. He is undoubtedly a first round talent, but is he the Eagles' "guy"? Instead the team could opt for a corner if a talent like LSU's Kristian Fulton falls, or perhaps go with his teammate LB Patrick Queen to fill in for Nigel Bradham.
If the Eagles do go with a receiver for their first pick, it will likely be Shenault unless for some reason Henry Ruggs III falls into their lap. The idea of trading up is an interesting one and a more plausible possibility than pundits are considering, but ultimately I think the Eagles stay put and let the draft come to them.
Heading into day two, there will be plenty of talented receivers left on the board and the Eagles should have two 3rd round selections in hand. They could use one of these selections to move up in the second round to take their pick of the remaining pass-catchers. Adding a first round corner and an offensive weapon like K.J. Hamler in two rounds would feel like an immediate win.
Jalen Reagor or K.J. Hamler are understandably the fan favorites for round two receivers, but there is a chance that one, if not both, receivers are gone by the 53rd selection. There are plenty of receiver needy teams that draft before Philadelphia on the second day. Instead the Eagles could decide to go with a bigger receiver if Tee Higgins falls, or the Eagles zero in on Brandon Aiyuk, Justin Jefferson or Denzel Mims.
Regardless, each option, while viable in their own right, will have a part in shaping the offence of the future. Speed has been front and center in the conversation on how to improve this offence, and we've seen what a healthy DeSean Jackson was able to bring to the table. However, late in the year the Eagles relied much more on a possession heavy, inside-out passing attack. In that case, a bigger, strong-handed receiver makes a ton of sense, especially one with some positional versatility.
There are no wrong answers, but whatever decision the Eagles make will be telling in terms of how the offence will function schematically. Also, if Alshon Jeffery's status with the team remains unresolved, answers will come based on what happens in April. There is a lot on the line and Philadelphia cannot afford to miss.
