Ranking the Eagles versus NFC East's other WR rooms before training camp

The 80s and 90s were simply a different time. There wasn't any social media to get lost in. One had to have a real conversation with 'friends'. The hairstyles were crazy. The TV shows were iconic, and every Philadelphia Eagles game versus NFC East competition was a delightfully violent affair. These days, more often than not, it's less about 'three yards and a cloud of dust' and more about elaborate aerial attacks.

Football's 'Money Division' seems to be a few stone throws away from being must-see television again. That is if the New York Giants stop acting like... well... the New York Giants. It helps that the plan is to open the playbooks.

It feels like, in 2024, divisional superiority will again be a two-team race. Neither the G-Men nor the Washington Commanders will soar with Philly or the Dallas Cowboys.

The Commanders are a year or two away from being a consistent threat, but they're coming. We feel better about Washington than we did this time last offseason. Maybe all it took was to move on from Daniel Snyder.

Sure, the Commanders will cause headaches, but we aren't seeing a playoff contender. Expect more passing than you saw from these rivals in the 80s and 90s. Every NFC East team has invested in coordinators and coaching. Each team seems to be settled on its signal-caller.

What's that? Oh yeah... You're right. The Giants are the Giants. Daniel Jones? Really? And, the Cowboys still don't seem to believe in Dak Prescott for the long term.

Cut us some slack though. You get where we're going here.

We, at least, can agree that these teams are relying on their offenses and QBs. Let's rank each franchise's weapons on the outside. How good are the guys Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, Jayden Daniels, and Daniel Jones are going to be charged with throwing the ball to?

4. New York Giants

The lineup: Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Allen Robinson

New York has seemingly caught up with the rest of the NFL figureing out pro football is a passing league. They have upgraded their wide receivers room, but who exactly is the alpha?

Allen Robinson will turn 31 before the season begins. Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, and Darius Slayton are extremely underwhelming, but that could be because there's no one to throw them the football.

To help elevate things, the G-Men drafted Malik Nabers sixth overall during the most recent NFL Draft. Maybe he's the alpha, but again, we ask you. Who in the heck is going to throw the ball to these dudes.

3. Washington Commanders

The lineup: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Luke McCaffrey, Jamison Crowder, Dyami Brown

Terry McLaurin is the glue here. He deserves better than playing in Washington, but he's seemingly happy there. Hey, what are you going to do? As long as he is around, the Commanders will cause Philly occasional issues.

Jamison Crowder has had a nice career, but he's aging. He just turned 31. so the Commanders are crossing their fingers with Jahan Dotson. They also drafted Luke McCaffrey though there are reports they are testing him at tailback.

Wait! What?

Jayden Daniels is another rookie draftee added by way of the NFL Draft. If he shines, he can be a long-term headache. Former Eagles Marcus Mariota, Zach Ertz, and Olamide Zaccheaus have also been added. Again, these Commanders aren't quite ready to contend, but they're creeping up on everyone slowly.

2. Dallas Cowboys

The lineup: CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, Kavontae Turpin, Ryan Flournoy

How much longer is Brandin Cooks going to play? He'll turn 31 before the season begins, but it feels like he's older than that. He's back for a second season, but CeeDee Lamb is the engine here.

Lamb is so good that he covers up many of the Dallas offensive deficiencies... until they arrive in the postseason. Hey, who are we kidding here? You'll find no sympathy for the Cowboys' collapses here.

Lamb, last season's receptions leader, earned Second-team All-Pro honors in 2022 before being named a First-team All-Pro in 2023. He has earned Pro Bowl nods following each of the last three campaigns.

He, like McLaurin, always seems to cause Philly issues. If someone else steps us, this unit still won't be as good as Philly's wide receiver room, but they'll certainly be formidable.

Also read: Ranking the Eagles vs NFC East's other CB rooms before training camp

1. Philadelphia Eagles

The lineup: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell, Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson

A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are in the discussion of the NFL's best receiver tandem along with the Tyreek Hill/Jaylen Waddle (Miami Dolphins) and Ja’Marr Chase/Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals). There is however something worth mentioning.

The Fins and Bengals have legitimate third options (Odell Beckham Jr and Jermaine Burton respectively). Philly has yet to find theirs.

Maybe Parris Campbell, Ainias Smith, or Johnny Wilson will step up. Quez Watkins sure as heck didn't.

Glancing around the NFL taught us there are some solid units league-wide. The Texans and 49ers come to mind. So do the Seahawks and Bears. Philly may have a depth issue. We'll soon see, but they're certainly home to the NFC East's top wide receiver room.

Read more Eagles news and notes