Final Thoughts
Eagles fans may not want to hear it, but I think there’s a growing possibility the team forgoes a first round receiver in hopes they can get a guy in the second round. Unless a lot changes between now and April, the top three guys will be gone by pick 21. That leaves Laviska Shenault Jr. in a solo race for next-guy-off-the-board. He is undoubtedly a first round talent, but is he the Eagles’ “guy”? Instead the team could opt for a corner if a talent like LSU’s Kristian Fulton falls, or perhaps go with his teammate LB Patrick Queen to fill in for Nigel Bradham.
If the Eagles do go with a receiver for their first pick, it will likely be Shenault unless for some reason Henry Ruggs III falls into their lap. The idea of trading up is an interesting one and a more plausible possibility than pundits are considering, but ultimately I think the Eagles stay put and let the draft come to them.
Heading into day two, there will be plenty of talented receivers left on the board and the Eagles should have two 3rd round selections in hand. They could use one of these selections to move up in the second round to take their pick of the remaining pass-catchers. Adding a first round corner and an offensive weapon like K.J. Hamler in two rounds would feel like an immediate win.
Jalen Reagor or K.J. Hamler are understandably the fan favorites for round two receivers, but there is a chance that one, if not both, receivers are gone by the 53rd selection. There are plenty of receiver needy teams that draft before Philadelphia on the second day. Instead the Eagles could decide to go with a bigger receiver if Tee Higgins falls, or the Eagles zero in on Brandon Aiyuk, Justin Jefferson or Denzel Mims.
Regardless, each option, while viable in their own right, will have a part in shaping the offence of the future. Speed has been front and center in the conversation on how to improve this offence, and we’ve seen what a healthy DeSean Jackson was able to bring to the table. However, late in the year the Eagles relied much more on a possession heavy, inside-out passing attack. In that case, a bigger, strong-handed receiver makes a ton of sense, especially one with some positional versatility.
There are no wrong answers, but whatever decision the Eagles make will be telling in terms of how the offence will function schematically. Also, if Alshon Jeffery’s status with the team remains unresolved, answers will come based on what happens in April. There is a lot on the line and Philadelphia cannot afford to miss.
