With a growing consensus that the Eagles may be double-dipping at wide receiver in the upcoming draft, I felt the need to explore potential combinations that would be the best fits. The Eagles need a specific kind of combo, they need a speedy slot receiver but also a speed threat on the outside to stretch the defense.
With the status of Alshon Jeffery up in the air and the DeSean Jackson’s age creeping up on him, the team needs to stack their offense with two or three more weapons at wide receiver. The questions don’t end there, with second-round pick JJ Arcega-Whiteside clearly having to factor into these plans somehow, along with practice squad star Greg Ward Jr, who stole the show late last year.
So without further due, here are my ideal combos:
CeeDee Lamb & KJ Hamler
Obviously, this one might be a pipe dream. The thought of the Eagles trading up for a player like Lamb is unlikely but necessary to explore. Lamb is the playmaker that this team needs and that Carson Wentz deserves. Adding Lamb to the outside gives the Eagles a player that uses speed and separation to beat his defenders. His unique ball skills and ability to run after the catch is something the Eagles haven’t had since, well, you know. As for Hamler, KJ’s speed has been defined as uniquely explosive. His ability to move in open space is second only to Henry Ruggs. While his drops are alarming, his speed and ability to switch into another gear quickly makes up for it.
Henry Ruggs & Van Jefferson
Henry Ruggs is the prize at wideout for any team this year but not many teams are as desperate as the Eagles. Ruggs has true game-changing speed at all three levels. His sure hands and quickness will allow him to be a true game-changer for years to come. Pairing him with a smooth route runner in Van Jefferson is the ultimate compliment for both players. While Ruggs can stretch the defense on the outside and force teams to play deep, Jefferson can eat up yards in the slot for the Eagles. He’s a pro-ready receiver that can create his own separation at all three receiving spots.
Denzel Mims & KJ Hamler
Mims seems to be the receiver that’s causing Eagles fans to truly salivate. I get it. His ceiling is remarkable but his floor is risky. Mims has a unique catch radius, good speed, and great size. While his route tree needs sharpening, Mims has shown that no ball is deemed uncatchable unless he says so. Linking him with a player like KJ Hamler would benefit both receivers greatly. Hamler’s explosive speed is one that will force defenses to over-focus on the slot. Plus, this may be the second most ideal solution for the Eagles if they stay put at 21.
Jalen Reagor & KJ Hamler
This one right here is for the fans that want excessive speed. Reagor is everything you want in a dynamic receiver. He’s fast with or without the ball in his hands. Raegor is a threat at any of the three receiving spots which gives Hamler the ability to eat in the slot. Having two speed threats such as these two give Doug Pederson the ability to be as creative as possible this season. Imagine a trio Reagor, Hamler, and Jackson on the field, all at once.
Justin Jefferson & Van Jefferson
The Jefferson’s! Why not?! Both have been deemed as more effective in the slot but both can play inside and outside. Justin Jefferson has the catch radius and speed to create enough separation from either spot while Van has a more unique ability to create space for himself anywhere. His route running makes him one of the few prospects that are already pro-ready. Justin Jefferson is the playmaker that the Eagles are looking for and Van Jefferson would be a great compliment to his playing style.
