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Eagles: Potential Replacements for Jeremy Maclin

By Anthony DiBona

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It appeared to be just a matter of time before the Philadelphia Eagles re-signed their star wide receiver Jeremy Maclin this off-season. But that was before he switched sports agents from Ben Dogra to Tom Condon. Now nothing seems as certain as it once was.

According to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, Maclin re-signing with the Eagles was “100%-pretty much a lock” to happen when he was with his old agent. But Caplan thinks that it is “less certain now” with a new agent representing Maclin. Although he is saying all the right things to the press and on social media, it’s becoming a real possibility that Jeremy Maclin isn’t in Philadelphia for the 2015 season.

If that’s the case, then what are the teams best options to replace their #1 wide receiver from 2014? There are two routes, the first being free agency which begins on March 10th. Then there is the 2015 NFL Draft which will begin on April 30th.

As far as free agency goes, the “cream of the crop” is unlikely to be available to the Eagles. Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant will likely sign long term extensions with their former teams or be slapped with the franchise tag. That leaves the team with options such as Randall Cobb, Michael Crabtree and Torrey Smith.

It’s debatable whether any of those options are of the caliber to fill the potential void left by Maclin. But the Eagles may not have many other options.

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Randall Cobb is an outstanding player and his versatility would definitely be put to use in Eagles head coach Chip Kelly’s offense. But is he truly a #1 receiver? Many don’t believe so. Cobb plays primarily in the slot and the Eagles are fortunate enough to be set at that position with Jordan Matthews already there. Therefore, I doubt he’s an option for the Eagles to replace Maclin.

Then there’s Michael Crabtree, who is quite an intriguing option. When he’s on the field, Crabtree can be a dangerous player…but that’s the problem. He’s hurt far too often and Kelly always preaches that “the best ability is availability”. If he can somehow stay healthy then he would certainly be an option for Philadelphia.

Lastly, there’s Torrey Smith, one of the best deep threats in the NFL. Of all the realistic options in free agency, Smith may fit the Eagles the best. He would bring the speed on the outside that they’ve missed since DeSean Jackson was released…without all the other distractions, of course. But Smith isn’t just a speedster, he has good hands and has proved that he can be the top receiver on a successful team.

Then there is the 2015 NFL Draft which is going to be a very deep class at wide receiver. Sadly for the Eagles, with the 20th overall pick, they likely won’t be able to get the top prospects at the position like Kevin White, Amari Cooper and DeVante Parker. That is unless they pull off a trade to move up in the draft but that is tough to predict.

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    • But just because the Eagles have a later pick, that doesn’t mean they can’t find a potential #1 wide receiver. Prospects such as Dorial Green-Beckham, Devin Funchess and Jaelen Strong all aren’t perfect but could possibly replace Maclin.

    Everyone is quick to rule out Dorial Green-Beckham for Chip Kelly and the Eagles because he’s an absolute mess off the field, we all understand that. But according to reports, he’s completely turned his life around and his older brother moved in with him and is acting as a mentor for him. On the field, “DGB” is raw but has the size at 6-5, 237 lbs., athleticism and potential to be exactly the type of player Philadelphia could use.

    Devin Funchess is quite a polarizing player. Is he a wide receiver or a tight end? Nobody really knows. But what they do know is he is a talented offensive weapon that has size you just can’t teach. At 6-4, 232 lbs., it doesn’t really matter where Funchess lines up, he’ll be able to make plays. It’s also worth mentioning that the Eagles reportedly met with the former Wolverine at the NFL Scouting Combine.

    Then there is Philadelphia native Jaelen Strong. At 6-2, 217 lbs., Strong has the size that teams desire in a #1 receiver. But he also has the skills to back it up. People were worried about Strong’s speed and athleticism but he proved those doubters wrong by running a 4.44 40-yard dash and a 42.0-inch vertical jump at the NFL Scouting Combine. If he’s available when the Eagles are on the clock, it will be very tough to pass on him.

    By no means are these the only options the Eagles will have to replace Jeremy Maclin if he leaves. There is always the possibility of a trade, other free agents and other draft prospects that I didn’t mention above. These are just a handful of the top options Philadelphia can have their eye on to fill the potential void at wide receiver. None of this may even matter if Jeremy Maclin re-signs with the Philadelphia Eagles, but like the old saying goes, “hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”

    Next: Philadelphia Eagles: Reviewing Day 1 of 2015 NFL Combine

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