Top Three WRs at No. 21 for the Eagles
With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, we all know what the Philadelphia Eagles need: A WIDE RECEIVER!
Rumors have said the Eagles are looking to stay put at pick No. 21 in the First-Round and pick the best player available on their board. We have also heard that the Eagles will prioritize speed in all phases of the draft.
If this is the case, let’s take a look at the WR prospects that are expected to be available to the Birds by the time Howie Roseman and friends are on the clock!
Justin Jefferson
It looks like Jefferson has become the consensus pick for the Birds in recent Mock Drafts. He may also be the most accomplished player on this list as well. After a Freshman season that saw no production, Jefferson rose to the occasion the following year playing in 13 games scoring six TDs on an impressive 16.2 yards per reception.
In 2019 Jefferson hauled in over 100 catches (111) 1,540 yards, 18 TD’s while averaging 13.9 yards per catch during LSU’s historic season. During the College Football Playoff, Jefferson caught 30 passes for 448 yards and found the end-zone five times amid LSU’s championship run. Jefferson’s strong senior season certainly justifies this selection.
Over his collegiate career, Jefferson has proven to have been battle-tested by competing in the SEC. A College Football Playoff run, and National Title also adds validity to the previous statement.
Scouts have praised Jefferson’s ability to control his body. When maneuvering in the slot, Jefferson was one of the best receivers in the nation by adjusting to the ball in the air. Jefferson can be seen running a lot of intermediate routes, but he does have the ability to go over the top. Another one of Jefferson’s strengths is tracking the football, something Eagles receivers have been lacking in recent years…(*cough Nelson Agholor *cough). Jefferson is also exceptional after the catch too.
A popular narrative amongst Eagles fans is that Jefferson is only a slot receiver. In college, Jefferson played alongside Jamar Chase who would’ve been the No.1 Wide-Out in this class, but had to stay in school because he is only a Sophomore. With this being said, Jefferson did not see as many snaps on the outside as Eagles fans might have hoped. Think of Justin Jefferson as a glorified Jordan Matthews, except with better hands and speed. Scouts believe he will contribute to an NFL roster his rookie year, but may take some time to develop into a true outside threat.
Measuring in at 6’1, 202 lbs Jefferson ran a 4.43 40-yard dash time, which surprised a few folks. Jefferson’s speed creeps up on defenders, especially considering his size. With the numbers he put up in 2019, do not expect Jefferson to last long after the big three (Judy, Lamb, Ruggs III) are taken. Jefferson is the fourth-ranked receiver in this loaded class.
NFL Pro Comparisons: Chris Godwin, Greg Jennings
Notable Performances:
- 11/10/18 @ Arkansas: 6 Rec, 117 yds, 1 TD
- 1/1/19 *Fiesta Bowl vs. UCF: 4 Rec, 87 Yds, 2 TD
- 9/7/19 @ No. 9 Texas 9 rec, 163 yds, 3 TD
- 10/12/19 vs. Florida: 10 rec, 123 yds, 1 TD
- 11/16/19 @ Ole Miss: 9 rec, 122 yds, 2 TD
- 12/28/19 *CFP Semi-Finals vs. Oklahoma: 14 Rec, 227 yds, 4 TD
- 1/13/20 *CFP National Championship vs Clemson: 9 Rec, 106 yds
Denzel Mims
Mims has been crawling up teams draft board since the Senior Bowl. Although Mims only caught one pass for 13 yards during the game, coaches ranted and raved about the Baylor product’s abilities after watching him compete in practice.
2017 saw Mims first season in a starting role, as he transcended 1,000 yards (1,087) for the first time in his career and scored eight TD’s. The following year Mims matched his TD total (8) but saw a drop off in receptions (55) and yards (794). Mims roared back his senior season topping his TD total (12), and broke his bests in receptions (66) along the way, earning All-Conference Honors his final season. Mims had multiple TD games (4) his last year at Baylor.
Coming in at 6’3, 207 lbs, Mims moves a lot faster than people think. Mims made himself some money at the NFL Combine by posting up a sharp 4.38 40-yard dash time. Similar to the Senior Bowl, Mims became the talk of the Combine as well.
During an interview with ESPN, Mims mentioned that the Eagles were one of the teams he has talked with the most during the pre-draft process. It is worth noting that he mentioned the Birds first, before mentioning any other football team. The two parties have been in contact since the Senior Bowl.
It is easy to see why the Eagles have interest in Mims. His athleticism and size makes him a mismatch even at the next level. Mims possesses the physical traits to be a reliable X or Y receiver, which the Eagles currently lack. Carson Wentz would love to throw it to a receiver who can catch it all over the yard *No pun intended*
Mims is a much more raw prospect but has the skillset to provide the most upside out of these picks. Mims is a monster at creating separation. If Mims re-tools his route tree, he can be a matchup nightmare in this Eagles offense, given his sneaky speed and natural ability to catch the 50-50 ball.
NFL Pro Comparisons: Tre’Quan Smith, D.K Metcalf
Notable Performances:
- 9/7/19 vs. UTSA: 7 rec, 101 yds, 3 TD
- 9/28/19 vs. Iowa State: 6 rec, 106 yds, 2 TD
- 11/16/19 vs. Oklahoma: 6 rec, 92 yds, 2 TD
- 11/23/19 vs. Texas: 7 rec, 125 yds, 1
Jalen Reagor
The Reagor bloodline is strong at TCU, as Jalen is the son of Montae Reagor, a former standout at the school before switching positions in the NFL. In addition, Montae Reagor played in midnight green for a season. Wouldn’t that be something if the Eagles drafted his son as well?
Reagor fits the mold of what the Eagles need… SPEED!
YAC is a big part of his game!
Reagor possesses a vintage DeSean Jackson like skillset, adding value as a return specialist. During 2017 Reagor was rewarded Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year with eight TD’s while averaging 17.5 yards per catch in only two starts.
In 2018, Reagor turned it up a notch by earning TCU Team MVP with his 72 receptions and 1,061 yards. His 11 total TD’s were also a career-best. Reagor also rushed for two TD’s during the campaign. Jet sweeps and reverse handoffs are also a part of Reagors’ run-down.
A decrease in production may see Reagor waiting around until the end of the first round for his phone to ring. Due to inconsistent quarterback play, Reagor finished up his senior season with career lows in TD’s (5) but still led TCU in all receiving categories. According to PFF, only 30.7% of Jalen Reagor’s targets were accurate in 2019, which was 4th worst in college football. There were a ton of yards and touchdowns left on the field due to the poor quarterback play.
A 5’11, 206 lbs frame may cause teams to steer away from Reagor. It is to be seen if Reagor can continue to do what he did in college at the professional level without injury. The fall-off in production between seasons is also concerning to scouts. At the NFL Combine, Regaor ran a 4.47 40-yard dash time, which was disappointing to some but still fast nonetheless.
Game-Tape does not lie about speed.
Overall, Reagor has the potential to be a spectacular “swiss army knife” type of guy if Philly does decide to take him at 21. Having a reliable threat in the return-game would be fun to watch as an Eagles fan.
NFL Pro Comparisons: Curtis Samuel, Tavon Austin
Notable Performances:
- 10/21/17 vs. Kansas: 3 rec, 43 yds, 2 TD
- 10/27/18 @ Kansas: 8 rec, 177 yds, 1 TD
- 11/10/18 @ No. 9 West Virginia: 11 rec, 150 yds, 1 TD
- 10/5/19 @ Iowa State: 4 recs, 69 yds, 2 TD
- 11/2/19 @ Oklahoma State: 7 rec, 138 yds
- 11/2/19 @ Oklahoma State 73-yard Punt Return TD
Featured Image: --- All Videos: @CollegeFilms
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