One Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver in Each Round of the NFL Draft

In case you missed the 2019 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles need a wide receiver. With Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson getting older, Nelson Agholor out of town, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside underwhelming, the Eagles need to do more to help out Carson Wentz. Fortunately, the 2020 NFL Draft is stacked to the brim with talent at the wide receiver position, and the Eagles could select multiple throughout the duration of the draft.

Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver Targets in 2020 NFL Draft

First Round, 21^st Overall: Justin Jefferson, LSU [NFL Draft Profile]

Assuming that the big three of Ceedee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, and Henry Ruggs are off the board, Justin Jefferson is a perfect fit for Philadelphia. The big slot receiver possesses fantastic body control, great hands, and should be a welcome addition to the Eagles depth chart. While he may not possess the same upside as a guy like Denzel Mims, he’s a much safer pick and could develop into a security blanket for Carson Wentz.

Alternate Options: Denzel Mims, Jalen Reagor, Laviska Shenault

Second Round – 53^rd Overall: Michael Pittman Jr., USC [NFL Draft Profile]

The Eagles like to have bigger receivers, and Michael Pittman Jr. definitely fits the mold there. At 6’-4” and 223 pounds, Pittman has the build of a tight end with the route running prowess of a wide receiver. While he’s not the fastest or quickest, he still manages to separate while using his big body to win in contested catch situations. He has a great catch radius and is a good fit for Carson Wentz’ style of play.

Alternate Options: K.J. Hamler, Brandon Aiyuk

Third Round – 103^rd Overall: Van Jefferson, Florida

In most years, Van Jefferson would never last until late in the third round. However, thanks to the depth at the position, the Eagles have a chance to grab a guy that can make an impact right out of the gate. Jefferson is a great route runner with a solid catch radius and the ability to get open down the field. While his hands are something of an issue, he’s a fantastic find in the third round.

Alternate Options: Chase Claypool, Bryan Edwards

Fourth Round – 127^th, 145^th, 146^th Overall: K.J. Hill, Ohio State [NFL Draft Profile]

With Nelson Agholor out of town, the Eagles need a new slot receiver. K.J. Hill might not be the fastest and definitely has a limited ceiling, but he’s absolutely lethal in the short part of the field. While the easy comparison is Julian Edelman, Hill is more of a Danny Amendola due to his relative lack of explosion after the catch and good-but-not-great route running. Still, he’s a great piece to have and should be a strong complementary weapon in the offense.

Alternate Options: Antonio Gandy-Golden, Collin Johnson

Fifth Round – 168^th Overall: Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin

As you’d expect from a receiver projected to go in the fifth round, Quintez Cephus is not a well-rounded prospect. However, he is genuinely great at outmuscling defenders at the point of attack and has a large catch radius. These traits could make Cephus an intriguing red zone option, but his inability to separate and lack of after the catch potential limits his ultimate ceiling.

Alternate Option: Quartney Davis

Sixth Round – 190^th Overall: Joe Reed, UVA

Joe Reed is fairly underwhelming as a prospect, but that’s just what you have to expect in the sixth round. The slot receiver has a knack for finding holes in zone coverage but isn’t a threat after the catch and struggles to separate in man coverage. His biggest appeal comes on special teams, as he proved to be a solid returner for UVA.

Alternate Option: Dezmon Patmon

Seventh Round – No Current Picks: Tyrie Cleveland, Florida

The Eagles currently do not have a seventh-round pick, so they’ll have to trade down in this scenario. Tyrie Cleveland probably won’t ever be much of anything, but I genuinely cannot understand how he’s projected to go in the seventh round. From a tools standpoint alone, Cleveland runs a blazing 4.46 40-yard dash and tested in the 83^rd and 90^th percentile for the broad jump and vertical jump, respectively. While he still needs time to learn the nuances of the position, the raw skills are there and he’d be a great late-round dart throw.

Alternate Options: Juwan Johnson, Stephen Guidry

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