Eagles must build around Carson Wentz during offseason

The Eagles need to give Carson Wentz some weapons.

The Philadelphia Eagles‘ chances of making the playoffs are very slim, thus making it completely reasonable to start thinking about the offseason—free agency, 2017 NFL Draft, et cetera.

Some are blaming the Eagles’ recent woes on Carson Wentz. While Wentz has struggled as of late with three touchdowns to five interceptions and a lackluster 75.8 quarterback rating in his last five games, he absolutely is not the problem with this Eagles team. The real problem with this team is the lack of weapons Wentz has at his disposal and that needs to change immediately.

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As of right now, Wentz’s three best receivers are Nelson Agholor, who was a healthy scratch against the Green Bay Packers Monday night, Dorial Green-Beckham, whose consistency and lack of effort have been called into question, and Jordan Matthews. Needless to say, that simply isn’t going to cut it for the Eagles’ franchise quarterback.

Luckily, the Eagles will have more than a sufficient amount of opportunities during the offseason to give Wentz some new toys to play with.

Free Agency

There are several notable receivers set to hit the free agent market this offseason, including Alshon Jeffery, Terrelle Pryor, Robert Woods and, wait for it…….. DeSean Jackson!

A common trait in three of these four receivers is speed (sorry, Alshon). The Eagles are so desperate for speed in their receiving corps that they are relying on Bryce Treggs, an undrafted rookie, to become their big-play guy. As you can imagine, that’s not working out so well.

Terrelle Pryor has been a revelation for the Cleveland Browns in his first full season as a wideout. This season, the former quarterback has caught 62 balls for 855 yards and four touchdowns. Pryor is a rare athlete that brings 4.38 speed to the table. The Eagles would surely love to add that their receiving corps.

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Woods, one of the more underrated receivers in the league, is more quick than fast, but remains a big-play threat thanks to his precise route-running. Woods isn’t a No. 1 receiver, but would be a very good slot option for the Eagles.

And of course, there’s always the option of bringing DeSean Jackson back. Jackson seems open to returning to the Eagles and the possibility of that happening may not be as crazy as it seems. Despite Wentz being a rookie, his potential is sky-high and players recognize that. Jackson is closing in on 30 and his Super Bowl window is closing. If he thinks Wentz can take him to the promised land, he may decide a reunion with the Eagles is his best bet at getting a ring. I’m sure the Eagles wouldn’t mind reclaiming one of the top deep threats in the league.

2017 NFL Draft

There are also a lot of talented wide receivers in this year’s draft class and the Eagles would be wise to take one with an early selection.

Western Michigan’s Corey Davis just broke the NCAA career receiving record with 5068 yards in his four years with the Broncos. Davis is a big, strong wideout with excellent speed and terrific character. He’s a small school guy, but that shouldn’t bother the Eagles too much. You know, considering Carson Wentz and all.

A more nationally known prospect the Eagles may consider is Oklahoma’s Dede Westbrook. Westbrook has caught 70 balls this season for 1354 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Sooners. Westbrook is a little undersized at only 6’0″, 175 pounds, but brings blazing speed to the table and can contribute as a return man on special teams. It also doesn’t hurt that Brian Westbrook (not related, FYI) thinks the Eagles should select him in this year’s draft.

I hope Dede Westbrook wins the Heisman, then gets drafted by the Eagles!
— Brian Westbrook (@36westbrook) November 26, 2016

Adding any of these receivers to the roster would be a big win for the Eagles. For Carson Wentz to reach his full potential, he will need help and, at the moment, he does not have any.

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