A Former Ute
Britain Covey needs to make this team. The 5-foot 8-inch receiver signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent. Recently, Covey has started to gain attention in camp. His quickness and route running has put him on notice with fans and coaches alike. Covey needs to make this team and that is looking more likely every day.
Last season as a senior, Covey had 52 receptions for 514 yards. He also had 14 rushing attempts for 99 yards, leading to three total touchdowns.
Now an Eagle
Covey is a different type of receiver than the Eagles have on this roster. He adds a quick presence in the slot. His quickness will be able to help him get open and break tackles after the catch. The only problem is that the Eagles have a lot of talent in the receiving room. It would be hard to see him getting targets over Brown, Goedert, Smith, and Watkins. Not saying he couldn’t see time at wide receiver this season, but there is tough competition.
Special Teams Boost
Where the Eagles could really use Covey is on special teams. He has the potential to inject instant energy into a stadium. Like he did against Oregon bringing Rice-Eccles Stadium to life.
The Eagles have been lacking an exciting returner for years. Reagor has been a failed experiment returning punts. Philly hasn’t had a returner with homerun potential since DeSean Jackson. The only other name that comes to mind is Josh Huff. Although he had a short Eagles tenure, I still can picture him flipping into the end zone.
Yes, you could argue Covey played in a weak Pac 12, but he was part of a great Utah football team. Utah is a program that has been underrated for years and is starting to etch itself as a west coast power house. The Utes gave Ohio State all they could handle in the Rose Bowl but fell 48-45.
Further, Covey had his two biggest plays of the season in two of the biggest games. First, he ran all over the field, returning a punt for a touchdown against Oregon. He also took a kick return to the house against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Could you imagine him doing this at the Linc next fall?
Britain Covey has the potential to bring life back to the Eagles return game. He is well on his way to solidifying a roster spot, and hopefully his electric returns will energize the Linc this season.
Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez/USA TODAY Sports
