The next rookie in our ‘five things to know’ series sees us veer right up to round 1 pick 21. TCU’s Jalen Reagor was the name called out by Rodger Goodell and was a surprise to some, but an exciting announcement to everyone.
Here are five things you need to know about the 21-year old.
His Father played for the Eagles
Some things just run in the blood. Children often follow the same sports teams that their parents do. For Jalen Reagor, that officially went one step further one week ago.
The TCU receiver was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, the same team that his father Montae played for back in 2007. Montae was also a Super Bowl winner…I wonder if that history will continue to repeat itself.
When asked about what he’s learned of The City of Brotherly Love, the first-round pick had this to say:
It’s a family environment. They love football. They love their Eagles. It’s just a sigh of relief, man, like all this hard work you put in for this moment. My whole life I’ve told my people, my family, I’m going to be a first rounder someday. It’s just crazy. I’m so blessed to have it come true, and then what greater organization to go to [than the] Philadelphia Eagles. So, I’m very excited and ready to go.
He’s very aware of the situation
It’s safe to say that the Eagles very nearly turned into a trainwreck last season. From Alshonymous sources to Orlando Scandrick taking his views to FS1 after being cut by the team, there was a lot of white noise. This, of course, came only months after QB Carson Wentz had his character called into question in yet another ‘anonymous source’ related article.
While this could be interpreted in several ways, I think it’s safe to say that Jalen Reagor has done his homework…
I feel like I can work on my whole game as a whole learning from the older [players], you know, the vets, [WRs] Alshon [Jeffery], DeSean [Jackson]. But I feel like I’m a great vertical threat. I can run any route in the route tree. I’m an electric player. I’ll make an immediate impact when given the chance. So, I’m coming in ready to work and ready to learn. I’m a great teammate and I won’t be a cancer to the locker room. Ultimately, I just show love, and I’m going to continue to elevate my game and continue to try to grow and become a better player.
“I won’t be a cancer to the locker room”.
Whether this was intentional or not, at least Reagor appears to be very, very aware of the landscape he’s been drafted into…and as a receiver that suffered a huge dip in QB play last year and refused to even so much as bat an eye, he seems primed to excel in it.
A big DeSean Jackson fan
When asked about players that Reagor models his game after, the 5-11 receiver didn’t take long to mention a very familiar name.
Now, [49ers WR] Deebo [Samuel], [Bills WR] Stefon [Diggs], [Chiefs WR] Tyreek [Hill], [Eagles WR] DeSean [Jackson]. I mean, it’s a bunch of guys. I’m a highlight junkie, so I watch those guys every day. I’m just ready now. Those are my idols and now they turned into my rivals. I’m going to be going up against those guys, competing against those guys every year, so I’m just ready to embark on this experience.
That wasn’t the only time Reagor mentioned the opportunity of getting to work with D-Jax either…
Man, it’ll make us way more explosive. Just give another deep threat. DeSean is a great receiver and a great speedy receiver. He can do anything you ask him to. I feel like I’m just another one
We stan a new brewing bromance.
Mr Versatile
By now, we know that Reagor was used in just about every way possible by TCU. But what may not be common knowledge is just how productive he was.
Named to three All-America teams in 2019, Reagor received second-team honors as an all-purpose wide receiver and as a Punt returner. In fact, he was one of only two players in the FBS with a pair of punt return touchdowns in 2019.
Talking of punt returns, he also ranked second in the nation with a 20.8 average return distance, breaking a TCU record. That wasn’t the only record he set. His career return-average of 17.8 actually broke the school’s last record which was set all the way back in 1932.
He also caught a touchdown in seven consecutive games back in 2018, which bodes very well for a quarterback who had a very similar streak not too long ago…
The Eagles fell in love
According to Reagor’s first presser, it was made very clear to him early on that the Eagles were besotted with him.
talked to the whole staff – me or my agent – every other week. Just communicated with those guys, Coach A-Mo [Eagles WRs Coach Aaron Moorehead), Mr. Roseman [Eagles Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman], [Eagles Head] Coach [Doug] Pederson, and just talking to those guys and catching up. They stay consistent. No matter what the circumstances were, they stayed consistent. I know it’s a difference between doing your due diligence and showing real love and when you really want somebody. I can tell the difference for sure.
Through all the smoke and mirrors, whether it was Ruggs, Jefferson, or even Denzel Mims, the Eagles appeared to have their eyes set on one man in particular…and it’s the man who will now wear a midnight green jersey for at least the next four years.
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
