It’s Combine week in Indianapolis and excitement is at an all-time high for Eagles fans. Howie Roseman and company are already doing their due-diligence on this year’s wide receiver class, having met with many of this year’s top talents already. But are there any particular takeaways that stand out from these meetings? Here’s all you need to know.
Henry Ruggs III | Alabama
The crown jewel of the Eagles’ 2020 draft aspirations, it was only a matter of time before the team met with Ruggs. The Alabama prospect mentioned in his interview that he had had a meeting with Philadelphia, but did not confirm whether it was formal or informal.
Jalen Reagor | Texas Christian
A speedster that will be in play at pick 21, it makes a ton of sense that the Eagles are doing their homework on the TCU prospect. It was reported that he had a formal meeting with the Eagles already.
K.J. Hamler | Penn State
The Eagles seem very fond of Hamler and have plenty of ties to Penn State — a point proven last season when they took two alum in the 2019 draft. One of these players, superstar rookie Miles Sanders, is close friends with Hamler and will be banging the table for him until April. He will meet with the Eagles today.
Justin Jefferson | Louisiana State
A long possession receiver, Jefferson’s draft stock is climbing as we near the draft and may be in play at pick 21 after previously being thought of as a second-round talent. He states he has met with the Eagles, but it is unsure whether it was in a formal or informal capacity.
Denzel Mims | Baylor
One of my favorite receivers in the draft, Mims stated in an interview that he has had several informal discussions with Eagles staff, both at the Combine and at the Senior Bowl. A bigger receiver with a fantastic athletic profile, Mims may be a cheaper second-day option for the Birds if they look to fill Alshon Jeffery’s role this April.
K.J. Hill | Ohio State
A silky smooth route runner, Hill would be a nice slot option for the Eagles in the second round. He mentioned in an interview that he has met with Philadelphia, although we’re not sure whether it was formal or informal. Apparently he was asked to memorize plays and he thought it went very well.
Gabriel Davis | Central Florida
Davis is a long, deep threat receiver with good straight-line speed. He will enter his rookie season as a developmental prospect, but has a good physical profile and solid special teams value as a gunner. He met with the Eagles informally.
Donovan Peoples-Jones | Michigan
One of the casualties of the immense talent at wide receiver in this draft, Peoples-Jones has been undervalued so far in the draft process. A good mix of size, skill, and effort, he projects best as a big slot receiver in the NFL. He’s got a good floor, but his upside is what truly makes him an exciting player. The Eagles had a formal meeting with Peoples-Jones.
Quez Watkins | Southern Mississippi
At Southern Mississippi Watkins dominated the competition, finishing his final season with 1,178 yards and six touchdowns. He had a notable amount of off-field issues, specifically with academics, which forced him off the playing field on a few occasions. It was a bit of a surprise when Watkins declared for the draft, considering how raw he was, but his physical profile might cause teams to give him a look. Against lesser competition, he looks fast (he states he will run a 4.3) and made a lot of defenders look silly in jump ball situations. The Eagles met with him formally.
Jauan Jennings | Tennesee
Jennings met with the Eagles at the Senior Bowl, which is why he’s at the bottom. The Eagles have actively recruited at the Senior Bowl and this year was no exception. Even though it wasn’t a combine meeting, keep an eye on Jennings in the pre-draft process. He’s a big body with contested catch ability and solid hands, and a willing, physical blocker.
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
