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Possible Eagles Wide Receiver Targets for 2015

By Jesse Shuter

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Dec 20, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (18) catches the ball as Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland (26) defends in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

This past football season the Philadelphia Eagles made strides in quite a few areas, but largely took a big step backwards. One of the major areas that saw a hit in production was wide receiver. The Eagles lost star receiver DeSean Jackson, but his production was replaced by the return of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. The major decrease came in the form of our number two receiver Riley Cooper going from a very productive receiver to having very little production.

There are quite a few options at wide receiver this year in free agency and in the draft and even more options aside from this. The Eagles should look to upgrade their number two receiver in addition to bringing back Jeremy Maclin. This way Cooper could become expendable and with wide receiver Jordan Matthews continuing to improve the offense could make huge strides.

Draft Options:

Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) catches the ball during the first half of the territorial cup against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Jaelen Strong (Arizona State):

This Philadelphia native could be the perfect outside threat to play opposite Maclin. He has strong hands, and fights well to the ball. Strong has everything that head coach Chip Kelly covets, his size, raw talent and skill all tell me that he has what it takes to be the next wide receiver like Atlanta Falcon’s receiver Julio Jones. Strong would most likely cost the Eagles their first round pick.

Nelson Agholor (USC):

This Pac-12 product could be the perfect slot receiver for Chip Kelly’s offense. He is quick to the ball, he has incredible hands, and he makes excellent cuts. He is a little bit smaller, but would be a perfect compliment in the Eagles offense. Matthews could then move outside to play across from Maclin. Agholor would be a late first round pick or early-mid second round pick, so the Eagles could trade up in the second if they want him.

Aug 30, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin Smith (9) runs for a touchdown catching a pass from quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) (not pictured) during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Navy Midshipmen 34-17.Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Devin Smith (Ohio State):

Smith is possibly the most explosive option here. He could line up wherever the Eagles want since he is so versatile. He reminds me of a receiver similar to Green Bay Packer Randall Cobb, or Baltimore Raven Torrey Smith. Despite his immense talent, his late emergence puts him in the early-mid second round or even possibly the third round. The Eagles could draft him with their second round pick or possibly even trade back and still get him.

Free Agency Options:

Randall Cobb (Green Bay Packers):

Randall Cobb could be absolutely elite in the Eagles offense were he to hit the open market. He would be a more expensive option, but he could take the Eagles offense to elite status.

Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons)/Andre Johnson (Houston Texans)

White and Johnson would bring a reasonably priced veteran presence to the Eagles offense. They could play on the outside or in the slot and would help mature a young quarterback like Nick Foles, or Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota were the Eagles to go in that direction with their team.

Other Options:

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) rushes against the New York Jets for 6 yards in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Cordarrelle Patterson (Minnesota Vikings)

Patterson was once thought to be a premier talent in the NFL, but after catching a decent 25 receptions in the first half of the year and then had a very decreased role in the second half of the year catching a measly eight receptions for 85 yards. The Vikings lost their infatuation with him and would most likely be open to a deal just as they were with New York Jets receiver Percy Harvin. Patterson does not get along with the new Vikings coaching staff so I believe they would be excited about getting a second round pick for him, and might even be able to include Riley Cooper in the deal.

Patterson would be perfect for the Eagles offense because has so much talent and is so versatile. He can line up anywhere on the field, play running back, and return kicks.

Next: Is it Time To Let Philadelphia Eagles Trent Cole Go?

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