An Early Look at the 2021 Receiver Group
The Eagles are beginning what’s bound to be an eventful offseason, with almost every position on the roster holding some type of question mark, including the young WR group.
The Eagles wide receivers will have a skeptical eye on them this offseason with many big name candidates available. One of the first big moves of the Eagles offseason involved the hiring of new Head Coach Nick Sirianni, who has coached the receiver position (and quarterback position) for the majority of his coaching career. It was reported this past week that Sirianni will keep WR Coach Aaron Moorehead moving forward this season, only time will tell which receivers on the roster will share that privilege.
Bring ‘Em On Back
The Eagles current group of receivers is a perplexing one yet intriguing one. You have a pair of receivers in Greg Ward and Travis Fulgham that have shown flashes of potential but are nothing near #1 wide receivers. Also, you have a trio of speedy receivers coming off their first professional season, headlined by former first round pick Jalen Reagor (followed by John Hightower and Quez Watkins). Each of these young receivers still need a lot of improvement, but they’ve earned a spot on next year’s team.
Likely Departures
Howie Roseman will almost undoubtedly look to the Eagles Receiver group to create much needed cap space, and look no further than the three oldest receivers on the roster, Alshon Jeffery, and Desean Jackson. Wether cut or traded, it is highly unlikely these two will be on the team next season. Also, the disappointment of a 2nd round pick named JJ Arcega-Whiteside may also be subject to a trade or release from the team after seeing little to no playing time throughout last year.
Possible Acquisitions
The 6th pick in the NFL Draft is in Howie Roseman’s hands, and if hes smart he’ll use it to draft a weapon out wide for his quarterback (whoever that may be). Jamar Chase and Devonta Smith headline a stellar group of rookie WRs, with Jaylen Waddle’s speed securing a spot in the top 3. The Eagles will likely draft one of the three previously mentioned receivers with their sixth pick, and if they choose to wait til a later draft day then keep an eye on Justyn Ross and Jaelon Darden. The Eagles likely won’t be active in the WR free agency market, but if they are there could be an attempt to reunite TY Hilton with his old coach Nick Sirianni.
The Eagles new head coach specializes in Head Coach – Wide Receiver connections, and wether the quarterback moving forward is Carson Wentz or Jalen Hurts he will have a solid group of young receivers to teach and mold. With Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward, and Travis Fulgham set to return along with a new draft pick (likely Devonta Smith or Jamar Chase.. or even Kyle Pitts), Sirianni should build his group into one of the better in the league.
Whoever is a part of the Eagles Receiving core next season, expect a major step up from last year.
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Categorized:Eagles