“[The Eagles are] all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed – Eleanor Roosevelt” scenario
This scenario is similar to the first, but with an emphasis on speed.
Eagles offensive returns: none
Same reasoning as above.
Free agent offensive skill player additions: WR Devin Funchess, WR Phillip Dorsett, RB Spencer Ware
Funchess goes completely against the speed portion of this scenario, but without Jeffery, the Eagles need a possession receiver. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside fits that mold, but having two doesn’t hurt.
He had a career year in 2017 with 63 receptions for 840 yards and eight touchdowns before being relegated to fourth receiver duty in 2018. After a disappointing 2018, he latched on the Colts on a one year deal in 2019. His Colts tenure lasted one game, as he got hurt in the first game and never returned during the season. Funchess’ potential on another one year prove it deal could provide dividends for the Eagles.
Dorsett ran the 40-yard dash in 2015 in 4.33 seconds. Speed. He has a career 13.2 yards per reception average and has two years of 16.0 yards or more. He can provide the speed depth behind DeSean Jackson and a draft pick that will be listed below.
Ware isn’t the flashiest or fastest, but he’s a very serviceable back in a running back rotation. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry in 2015 under Doug Pederson in Kansas City, and could provide the similar skill set that Miles Sanders gives.
Draft ramifications
If the Eagles are convinced the speed receiver they covet will fall to them in the draft, or will be in close enough range to trade up for a reasonable price, you could see the below selections:
At Ruggs’ junior Pro Day in March of 2019, he ran a 4.25 40 yard dash. Let me spell that out for you. Four-point twenty-five seconds 40-yard dash. He is fast. He’s an Eagles fan’s dream weapon for Wentz and he can really take this offense to a new level. The speed of Ruggs, Jackson, and Dorsett with likes of Funchess and JJAW around to snag 50/50 balls? Might not be able to stop that offense. For more on Ruggs, check out Mallee’s breakdown here.
Gladney continues to make sense for the Eagles if they opt to go with wide receiver help in free agency and the first round of the draft.
WR depth chart:
WR1: Ruggs
WR2: Jackson
WR3: JJAW
WR4: Dorsett
Depth: Funchess, Ward
The “Enough Band-Aids, FIX ME ALREADY” scenario
In this scenario, the Eagles focus on what went well and what didn’t in 2019. The run game was effective when used correctly. The wide receivers left A LOT to be desired.
Eagles offensive returns: RB Jordan Howard, WR Deontay Burnett
The Eagles somehow convince Howard that he should take a one-year prove-it deal to reestablish his value for the 2021 offseason. With only nine full games under his belt in 2019, Howard may not be able to find the long term deal he wants from another team. Coming back to the Eagles to form what should’ve been formed already with Sanders and Scott could prove to be the avenue to Howard’s payday.
Burnett showcased some deep speed at the end of the season. A 22-year-old with that speed has potential to be a deep threat to the Eagles for years.
Free-agent offensive skill player additions: None
The Eagles decided to forgo signing any of the popular names on the free-agent market. Signing veterans to come into a new offense could provide some bumps in the road as they try to establish themselves with Wentz. The risk with veterans is that you never know what will happen after they get their payday. If the Eagles give Robby Anderson a 4 year $40-50 million deal, will they really get production to match that value? In this scenario, they keep Burnett
Draft ramifications
What better way to develop chemistry between a quarterback and wide receiver than draft two dynamic ones to have in the offense for years to come? Drafting a 21-year-old elite possession receiver and a 22-year-old (21 now but turns 22 on March 17, also my birthday. You’re welcome for that tidbit) dynamic field stretcher is perfect for a borderline elite quarterback yet to enter his prime.
You’ve read my Higgins blurb, and now for Aiyuk.
He’s 6’1, will run the 40-yard dash in the low 4.4’s, and has the ability to stop on a dime while running full speed and change directions in an instant. Having him learn from DeSean Jackson and having them both on the field on the same time would be deadly to opposing defenses. Not many defenses have corners that can keep up with DeSean Jackson. Trying to guard both him and Aiyuk? With Higgins out there too? Good luck.
Aiyuk profile from Mallee.
WR depth chart:
WR1: Higgins
WR2: Jackson
WR3: Aiyuk
WR4: JJAW
Depth: Ward, Burnett
Defensive scenarios are listed on the page below!
Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
