One of the biggest questions that surround NFL training camp is who eventually makes the final 53-man roster. With Eagles camp just about two weeks away, it’s time to speculate who will make the final cut and be a part of the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles.
Today, we look at who stays and who goes with the receiving core.
Current WR’s on the Roster
AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward, John Hightower, Keric Wheatfall, Josh Hammond, Britain Covey, Deon Cain, Devon Allen
WR’s Eagles will keep on the 53
AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, Greg Ward, Devon Allen
There are four receivers that are locks to making the 2022 squad in my opinion. AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith are 1A/1B options for Jalen Hurts and will be one of the best receiving combinations throughout the NFL.
Quez Watkins showed great strides in his second season and has the speed needed as a third option. Eagles coaches and fans should be excited to see how the sixth round pick continues to improve.
Zach Pascal was signed as another receiving option in the slot. He blocks exceptionally well and is a solid red zone target for any team. Over the last three seasons, Pascal has totaled 13 touchdowns. At 6’2″, the former Colt will give the Eagles a competent fourth wide receiver that they haven’t had in a very long time.
It gets very murky after that. Greg Ward, and John Hightower are all players that have been around the Eagles organization for a few years now. Ward doesn’t do anything spectacular but has almost become that Boston Scott-role in that it is hard to envision him not with the team. He’s capable of stepping in to any situation and I feel the coaching staff will value that. Hightower had his chances in 2020 but literally dropped it. I know the Eagles like his speed, but it’s hard to envision him staying on the 53.
Keric Wheatfall, Josh Hammond, Britain Covey, and Deon Cain are all roster fringe players that unfortunately are in a crowded receiver room. I don’t see any of these guys making the team, but a good training camp can put any on the practice squad. Covey is an offensive weapon from Utah that could help in the return game. Cain has bounced around multiple team’s practice squads while Hammond and Wheatfall are undrafted free agents.
Then there’s what I think will be the final position battle for the Eagles receivers. Jalen Reagor vs. Devon Allen. The first round pick against the national track star. Allen’s speed and athleticism already have him as one of the best hurdle runners on the planet but he signed a contract with the Eagles this off-season and could be an intriguing weapon to mix on special teams and the return game. We’ve talked a lot about Reagor and the concerns he has brought, but if he has a bad training camp as either a receiver or returner, I think Allen beats him out for the final spot.
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
