Reasons Quez Watkins could be a surprise secret weapon for Eagles versus Patriots in Week 1

Competition brings the best out of players, and Oladime Zaccheaus is breathing down Quez Watkins' neck.

Another of the new guys, Olamide Zaccheus proved to be a good secondary receiver during his last two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He finished third on the club with 406 receiving yards in 2021. He had 31 catches and three touchdowns as well.

In 2022, Zaccheus improved as he finished with 533 yards, which was good for the second most receiving yards with Atlanta. He set a new career high in receptions with 40 and finished with three touchdowns. The undrafted free agent from the Virginia Cavaliers has proven himself to be a reliable complimentary player at the receiver position in the NFL, which will serve the Eagles well.

Quez Watkins needs to rebound from his difficult season this year. He is in a contract year so he will be motivated by that, but having a player of O.Z.'s caliber breathing down his neck should ignite a fire in him as well.

If he can put up numbers that are similar to his statistics from 2021, which we again believe he can, he could be in line for a new contract next offseason whether that be with the Eagles or another organization.

Look for Watkins to make the most of his opportunities beginning in Week 1 against the Patriots. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert will likely be targeted most often by Jalen Hurts, but Watkins and Zaccheus will see their opportunities as well.

Here are some realistic expectations for Quez.

3-4 catches for 25-40 yards and one touchdown.

Watkins has shown the capability of being a good depth receiver in the past. He will need to be at his best to remain the Eagles' number three wide receiver throughout the year. Philadelphia has other players on the roster that have proven to be reliable receivers. If Quez disappoints, we could be watching his final games with Philly.

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