10 Unsung Philadelphia Eagles and how they can help a playoff push

Can the Philadelphia Eagles get a boost from a rookie?

Sixth-round pick Quez Watkins hasn’t seen the field much in Philly. He started off the season on injured reserve and then played minimal snaps in his first few games back. The wide receiver room is pretty crowded and Alshon Jeffery may return for the Week 8 matchup with the New York Giants. Travis Fulgham is going to play pretty much every snap going forward. Jalen Reagor needs playing time so that he can grow. There’s still Greg Ward who’s been reliable in the slot and John Hightower who’s become a great deep threat for this team.

Although there doesn’t appear to be much room for Watkins, he can certainly share some snaps in the slot with Ward down the stretch. Ward should still get the majority of the reps. He’s an above-average route runner and a master versus zone coverage. Watkins gives the Philadelphia Eagles a bit more speed and burst at the spot though. Pederson can run Watkins out of the slot on quick drag routes and just let him outrun defensive backs horizontally. Anything that utilizes his speed like drag routes, screens, slants, and whip routes can help this offense. It always helps to mix things up a little bit and change up the pace.

Watkins could also provide a boost on special teams. It’s nice to have Ward back deep on punts because it almost ensures that there won’t be a fumble. Reagor muffed a punt in week one. Corey Clement has muffed kicks in the past. With how this team has struggled with turnovers, they can’t afford to give away any more possessions on special teams. If Watkins can prove he is sure-handed though, it’s worth a shot putting him out there on a few kicks and punts just to provide a spark. He averaged 9.4 yards per punt return in college and even had a touchdown at one point. Southern Mississippi also asked him to return kicks at times so he has experience there.