Eagles Draft Profile: East Carolina WR Justin Hardy

Nov 22, 2014; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Justin Hardy (2) runs with the ball after his 2nd quarter reception against the Tulane Green Wave at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

It may not appear to be the most obvious need, but the Philadelphia Eagles could certainly use some help at wide receiver. Their best player at the position last year, Jeremy Maclin, is set to be an unrestricted free agent. But even if he re-signs, like many believe he will, the team needs a bit more depth. East Carolina wide receiver Justin Hardy could be just what the team needs in Philadelphia.

I know, he played primarily in the slot in college, that will be the first question everyone brings up. But Hardy checks most, if not all, of the boxes that head coach Chip Kelly looks for in a wide receiver. He’s tough, a great blocker, runs good routes to get separation and once he has the ball in his hands, Hardy isn’t easy to bring down.

Eagles

Many will immediately question Hardy’s fit in Philadelphia because he may be limited to just the slot in the NFL. But if the proper adjustments are made, there may be a need at slot receiver in Kelly’s offense. For instance, if wide receiver Jordan Matthews is moved from the slot to the outside to replace underwhelming wide receiver Riley Cooper, suddenly there is a hole in the slot. Hardy could be just the man for that job.

College Career 

There aren’t many players in the draft with a more decorated collegiate career than the one Justin Hardy had at East Carolina University. Hardy was a walk-on for the Pirates and was redshirted his first year with the team in 2010. In 2011, Hardy burst on to the scene with a break-out performance as a redshirt freshman. He finished his first season with 64 receptions for 658 yards and 6 touchdowns, seeing action in 10 games including 8 games in which he started. Hardy continued to impress the following season in 2012, finishing the year with 88 receptions for 1,105 yards and 11 touchdowns.

In 2013, Hardy started all 13 games and set school records for receptions and receiving yards in a single season with 114 receptions for 1,284 yards. For his senior season, Hardy went out with a bang. He started the year by breaking the ECU career record for receptions, previously held by wide receiver Dwayne Harris. Later in the season, Hardy passed wide receiver Ryan Broyles‘ record of 349 receptions to become the NCAA’s all-time leading receptions leader and finished his career with 387 receptions.

Hardy finished his senior season with 121 receptions for 1,494 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was also awarded with the Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded nationally to the most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on. To cap it all off, Hardy was also invited to the 2015 Reese’s Senior Bowl to showcase his talent and skills for NFL coaches and scouts.

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