Eagles roster projections: Preparing the best mixture on offense
By Hunter Doyle
54. . . . The wide receivers. . player
The Philadelphia Eagles have a new look group out wide.
Wide receivers (6): A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, Greg Ward, Jalen Reagor
The addition of A.J. Brown should allow DeVonta Smith to spend some more time at the Z (slot receiver).
Both will move around depending upon the concept and the personnel groupings, but Smith was electric as a motion Z at Alabama. What he can do at the X and in the slot is a huge bonus as we saw last year.
Quez Watkins will likely spend a good amount of his time in the slot, as he did last year, but he won’t be limited to playing there. We should see him take another step forward but his best opportunity to make an impact will come from keeping the safeties honest. Watkins’ presence keeps the other team’s last line of defense from playing closer to the line of scrimmage in an attempt to make plays in the run game.
Zach Pascal should also see some time in the slot situationally. That signing looks even better with A.J. Brown added to the group. Pascal can provide the depth the Eagles lacked behind Smith and Watkins last year.
His biggest impact will likely come by doing the dirty work on third downs and in the red zone. Greg Ward didn’t see as much time last year as he did in 2019 and 2020; however, his experience as a starter could prove to be handy if any injuries occur.
Ward has a feel for the big moment and made an incredible adjustment on a catch to secure a win versus Washington last year. Four of his seven catches last year all came against Washington, and they resulted in 63 yards.
What Ward provides versus Washington is similar to the way Boston Scott has a knack for dismantling the New York Giants. It’s definitely to a lesser extent. The ‘Giant Slayer’ is a different monster, but it can be expected that Ward will show up for Philly’s games versus the Commanders.
Most of this city has lost hope for Jalen Reagor, but he represents $7 million in dead cap money, so if he isn’t traded, he’s likely sticking around.
Britain Covey is one dark horse to keep an eye on. At Utah, he was an explosive return man for the Utes with 1,092 career punt return yards (11.9 yards per return), 838 kick return yards (25.4 yards per return), and five career punt/kick return touchdowns.
John Hightower will certainly be in the mix as well. Devon Allen will draw some eyes in the preseason with his next-level speed.