Familiar With It? Comparing These Eagles’ No. 18s
Heading into the NFL Draft, it was apparent the Eagles wanted a pass-catcher with speed.
When the team selected Jalen Reagor out of TCU, comparisons between him and a former Eagles receiver began to rise.
Despite the pandemic, Reagor has been working with new receivers coach Aaron Moorehead and his assistant Matthew Harper via Zoom Call, but Reagor has also been in contact with both Doug Pederson and Howie Roseman at least once a week.
“Their plan is for Reagor to get the ball in his hands.“
Reagor will likely play the “X” receiver, which typically lines up to the QB’s far left side, but do not be surprised if the coaching staff decides to utilize him in the slot as well, taking advantage of his speed in space.
Manufactured touches should also be expected for Reagor early on, including screen passes and jet sweeps of that nature. Expect Reagor to also have a role in the return game, as he racked up 724 total return yards during his tenure at TCU.
Coming out of College, former Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin had a very similar skillset.
Maclin came out of Missouri at 5’11, 198 lbs, while Reagor departed TCU at 195 lbs. During their combine experiences, Maclin ran a 4.45 while Reagor ran a 4.47. Both players were expected to run faster times, but were clearly faster on the field compared to their testing at the Combine.
Both players were lined up all over the place during their collegiate careers, as Maclin accumulated 2,833 all-purpose yards while Reagor gained a total 2,248.
The two were drafted under similar circumstances as well.
Maclin was taken with the 19th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, while Reagor was selected 21st overall in 2020.
Back in 2009, former Head Coach Andy Reid had a plethora of playmakers at his disposal, including the likes of DeSean Jackson (in his second season), Brian Westbrook, Brent Celek, and also drafted LeSean “Shady” McCoy 34 spots after Maclin was selected. Let’s not forget about the addition of Michael Vick as well, even though Donovan McNabb was the main trigger man for the Birds at the time.
Within the next two years, Philadelphia was able to set the scoring record for “Most Points Scored in a Season” with 429 (2009) and 439 (2010) respectively with their young offensive core.
Fast forward a little over a decade, and it seems as though Philly is trying to get back to that philosophy.
Reagor is walking into a situation already having DeSean Jackson (during his second stint), Marquise Goodwin, Miles Sanders, Zach Ertz, and let’s not forget to mention Dallas Goedert. The Birds also added two more receivers via the Draft in John Hightower and Quez Watkins, who are also agile in the open field. Despite Wentz being the leader of this football team, the Eagles selected QB Jalen Hurts in the second round to solidify their QB position, and help put some more speed on the field.
Sounds pretty similar huh?
Maclin was able to make an immediate impact during his rookie season, as he accounted for 773 receiving yards and 4 TDs. Within his first two seasons Maclin scored 14 TDs on 126 catches while averaging 13.8 yards per pop.
As Maclin began to mature, he became a key contributor to the early 2010’s Eagles teams. Maclin’s best season came his last year in 2014 when he also scored 10 TD’s, but recorded career highs in both receptions (85) and yardage (1318).
When evaluating the similarities in these two players skillsets and situations upon entering the NFL, it is easy to rationalize Regaor having success in 2020.
Doug Pederson’s offense can be a bit tricky for first year receivers though…just ask J.J Arcega-Whiteside and Nelson Agholor.
Maclin came in and contributed well to an Eagles squad who was quite efficient on offense.
There are high hopes Reagor will be able to replicate what Maclin did in Midnight Green.
Featured Image: Source Statistics: ProFootballFocus.com *Unless Noted
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Categorized:Eagles