3 UTR mid-round NFL Draft prospects Philadelphia Eagles should consider

Philadelphia has multiple fourth-round picks and this needs to be Roseman’s money round. Recent history has shown us that he’s scored with Avonte Maddox, but he’s also missed on Donnel Pumphrey and Mack Hollins during fourth rounds of the past.

Boise State’s John Hightower is an overlooked wideout the Eagles should have a chance at scooping up with any one of their three fourth-round picks. Hopefully, they’ll already have a wide receiver (or two) in its pocket, and Hightower could be a nice addition if they’re interested in doing the unthinkable and adding three.

The Eagles are in desperate need of speed and Hightower fills that need perfectly. He ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and he stands at six-foot-one and weighs 189 pounds. In two seasons at Boise State, he racked up 82 receptions, 1,447 yards, an average of 17.6, yards-per-completion. He reached the end zone 14 times.

Hightower’s speed was also featured as a kick returner as he fielded 36 kicks for 840 yards and added another touchdown in his career as a returner. He’s a junior college product where he played football and ran track, and he’s made the most of his opportunity in the Mountain West Conference.

Hightower’s best days of playing football are still ahead of him, and though he has a much smaller sample size than some of the other prospects at wide receiver, he’s set himself up for success and proven that he’s one of the fastest receivers in this year’s class.

Joe Marino of The Draft Network has this to say in Hightower’s draft profile:

"Boise State wide receiver John Hightower brings exciting big play ability to the table given his ability to get behind the secondary, break pursuit angles and contribute in the return game. With that said, inconsistent ability to track the football and finish are concerning although he has some impressive grabs on tape. If everything clicks for Hightower, his explosiveness gives him a chance to be dynamic. Hightower’s juice will command some opportunities both in space and down the field but becoming more consistent is critical for him to find sustained chances."

Hightower is not a big-time prospect by any means, but his ability to stretch the defense is intriguing. He may not make an immediate impact on the field, but working with one of the great speedsters in DeSean Jackson could set him up for a successful career. The Eagles could then add a running back and safety with those two other picks in the fourth round, just an idea.