{"id":84533,"date":"2020-04-06T10:00:16","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T14:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=84533"},"modified":"2021-03-14T17:23:55","modified_gmt":"2021-03-14T21:23:55","slug":"wide-receiver-philadelphia-eagles-2020-nfl-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2020\/04\/06\/wide-receiver-philadelphia-eagles-2020-nfl-draft\/","title":{"rendered":"One Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver in Each Round of the NFL Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

In case you missed the 2019 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles need a wide receiver. With Alshon Jeffery<\/a><\/strong> and DeSean Jackson<\/strong><\/a> getting older, Nelson Agholor<\/a><\/strong> out of town, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside<\/strong><\/a> underwhelming, the Eagles need to do more to help out Carson Wentz<\/a><\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver Targets in 2020 NFL Draft<\/h2>\n

First Round, 21st<\/sup> Overall: Justin Jefferson, LSU [NFL Draft Profile<\/a>]<\/h3>\n

Assuming that the big three of Ceedee Lamb<\/a>, Jerry Jeudy<\/a><\/strong>, and Henry Ruggs<\/strong><\/a> are off the board, Justin Jefferson<\/strong><\/a> 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<\/strong>, he\u2019s a much safer pick and could develop into a security blanket for Carson Wentz.<\/p>\n

Alternate Options: Denzel Mims<\/a>, Jalen Reagor<\/a>, Laviska Shenault<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Second Round – 53rd<\/sup> Overall: Michael Pittman Jr., USC [NFL Draft Profile<\/a>]<\/h3>\n

The Eagles like to have bigger receivers, and Michael Pittman Jr. <\/strong><\/a>definitely fits the mold there. At 6\u2019-4\u201d and 223 pounds, Pittman has the build of a tight end with the route running prowess of a wide receiver. While he\u2019s 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\u2019 style of play.<\/p>\n

Alternate Options: K.J. Hamler<\/a>, Brandon Aiyuk<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Third Round – 103rd<\/sup> Overall: Van Jefferson, Florida<\/h3>\n

In most years, Van Jefferson<\/strong> 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\u2019s a fantastic find in the third round.<\/p>\n

Alternate Options: Chase Claypool<\/a>, Bryan Edwards<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Fourth Round \u2013 127th<\/sup>, 145th<\/sup>, 146th<\/sup> Overall: K.J. Hill, Ohio State [NFL Draft Profile<\/a>]<\/h3>\n

With Nelson Agholor out of town, the Eagles need a new slot receiver. K.J. Hill<\/strong><\/a> might not be the fastest and definitely has a limited ceiling, but he\u2019s absolutely lethal in the short part of the field. While the easy comparison is Julian Edelman<\/a><\/strong>, Hill is more of a Danny Amendola<\/a><\/strong> due to his relative lack of explosion after the catch and good-but-not-great route running. Still, he\u2019s a great piece to have and should be a strong complementary weapon in the offense.<\/p>\n

Alternate Options: Antonio Gandy-Golden<\/a>, Collin Johnson<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Fifth Round \u2013 168th<\/sup> Overall: Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin<\/h3>\n

As you\u2019d expect from a receiver projected to go in the fifth round, Quintez Cephus<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Alternate Option<\/em>: Quartney Davis<\/em><\/p>\n

Sixth Round \u2013 190th<\/sup> Overall: Joe Reed, UVA<\/h3>\n

Joe Reed<\/strong> is fairly underwhelming as a prospect, but that\u2019s just what you have to expect in the sixth round. The slot receiver has a knack for finding holes in zone coverage but isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Alternate Option: Dezmon Patmon<\/em><\/p>\n

Seventh Round \u2013 No Current Picks: Tyrie Cleveland, Florida<\/h3>\n

The Eagles currently do not have a seventh-round pick, so they\u2019ll have to trade down in this scenario. Tyrie Cleveland<\/strong> probably won\u2019t ever be much of anything, but I genuinely cannot understand how he\u2019s 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 83rd<\/sup> and 90th<\/sup> 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\u2019d be a great late-round dart throw.<\/p>\n

Alternate Options: Juwan Johnson, Stephen Guidry<\/em><\/p>\n

Main photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>