Posted July 24, 20204 yr John Hightower could become the Eagles' most dynamic playmaker from the slot The Philadelphia Eagles passed on LSU star wide receiver Justin Jefferson in the NFL Draft, choosing to use their first-round pick on TCU star Jalen Reagor. Reagor is more an outside receiver than a slot guy, so some in the media proposed the idea that Howie Roseman made a mistake with the pick. The Eagles still have Greg Ward in the slot, but a talented late-round rookie could emerge to become Philadelphia’s version of Keenan Island, just more explosive. Hightower is a stud and truly could be the steal of the NFL Draft but the Eagles and most notably passing game coordinator Press Taylor will need to find the perfect role to utilize his attributes. Hightower is fast, posting an unofficial time of 4.44 at the combine, but could his true calling with the Eagles come in the slot as Carson Wentz’s ultimate weapon. The Eagles can trot out DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, Reagor, Quez Watkins, and JJ Arcega-Whiteside on the outside, but the athletic and crafty Hightower could transition to into hybrid version of Keenan Allen with a mashup of Chris Godwin in between. Hightower has the height, weight, and speed to flourish in space and could become a star once he finds his way as a route runner and learns the NFL game. The learning portion could take some time, but utilizing Hightower out of the slot could allow him to become the ultimate weapon for the Eagles who’ll have a bevy of options to choose from. During his senior season, Hightower had 51 receptions for 943 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns to go along with 16 carries for 154 rushing yards in 14 total games. His ability as a ball-carrier should allow Hightower to see the field early on in the 2020 season. His ability to dictate the matchups in space could allow Hightower these types of highlight-reel plays like the one below without a distinct knowledge of the Eagles playbook. Hightower struggled against press coverage at times while at Boise State, so featuring him in the slot early-on could allow his transition to the NFL to be a bit smoother. Hightower on most slot cornerbacks could become a mismatch, allowing the Eagles and Carson Wentz to dictate coverage and force opposing defenses to move their cornerbacks, safeties, and most athletic defensive players around based on formation. https://theeagleswire.usatoday.com/2020/07/22/philadelphia-eagles-john-hightower-slot-weapon-nfl/ Let's see what the kid has.
July 24, 20204 yr It's amazing to me that players who make the NFL level have trouble becoming a route runner. It's not easy, but neither is making it to the NFL. It should be something that can be picked up pretty quick if they put in the video and practice time.
July 24, 20204 yr Hightower's first goal is learning to be a hands catcher. He relies too much on being a body catcher.
July 24, 20204 yr Given the Eagles recent WR history, showing that he can catch the effin' ball consistently using whatever means would be a good first start.
July 25, 20204 yr Author 10 hours ago, DeathByEagle said: Hightower's first goal is learning to be a hands catcher. He relies too much on being a body catcher. Could work for him initially in the slot I guess? Or at least in situations where he can get some space.
July 25, 20204 yr Really hoping Hightower and Watkins get a legitimate chance. They both need to be on the team, IMO. Given the situation this offseason, it’s going to be harder for them to impress during TC. But I think it would be dumb to give up on them that quickly.
July 25, 20204 yr 54 minutes ago, vaff said: Really hoping Hightower and Watkins get a legitimate chance. They both need to be on the team, IMO. Given the situation this offseason, it’s going to be harder for them to impress during TC. But I think it would be dumb to give up on them that quickly. From what I read, the team was having trouble deciding whom to take when both Hightower and Watkins were available at 168, and finally decided on Hightower. They didn't really want to draft another wr, but when Watkins was still available at 200, they figured he was too valuable to pass up. So I think there is a really good chance both guys make the team.
July 25, 20204 yr I'm generally cautious of players coming out of the Mountain West Conference. I call it the PAC-12 Light because so many players lack physicality compared to their peers in other conferences. Still, i'm open to finding one of the few who will make it in the NFL. Hightower has the potential to develop into a good WR. Time will tell. One thing I noticed watching his highlights was that the QB throwing to him (Hank Bachmeier) was very accurate and decisive. He was a Freshman last year at Boise State. I'll be interested in seeing his progression (if any) now that Hightower is gone. Assuming he continues to develop, he could be a viable candidate for the QB factory as future trade bait, or maybe a backup to Wentz in the future.
July 27, 20204 yr Who wrote this hightowers agent? Dude has never taken an NFL snap and hes saying he could be keenan allen or chris godwin? Based off what. For all we know he could be Na Brown or freddie Milons. I think one thing about he and watkins is that in any other draft both would have been drafted higher, this past draft was extremely deep especially at WR.
July 27, 20204 yr Author 5 hours ago, Utebird said: Dude has never taken an NFL snap and hes saying he could be keenan allen or chris godwin? Based off what. For all we know he could be Na Brown or freddie Milons. Sure he could be either really good or he could be really bad. At this point we don't know so why talk about the negative? Why not hope that he can be a good NFL player?
July 27, 20204 yr 7 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said: Sure he could be either really good or he could be really bad. At this point we don't know so why talk about the negative? Why not hope that he can be a good NFL player? I hope as does every one hope hes a good player but why the over hyped article. One would have thought it was written by spads. Id rather have realistic expectations for any player. If we dont know either way why talk about the positives?Does one think when scouts are evaluating a player they only write down strengths and leave out the weaknesses because they are negative. If one is a fan of fluff hype pieces have at it, personally i prefer more objectionable pieces.
July 28, 20204 yr 7 minutes ago, brkmsn said: lol Lol yeah i think i used the wrong word there but it worked out😄
July 28, 20204 yr On 7/24/2020 at 2:02 AM, UK_EaglesFan89 said: Reagor is more an outside receiver than a slot guy, so some in the media proposed the idea that Howie Roseman made a mistake with the pick. Was this article written in an elementary school?
July 28, 20204 yr On 7/24/2020 at 2:02 AM, UK_EaglesFan89 said: crafty Hightower could transition to into hybrid version of Keenan Allen with a mashup of Chris Godwin in between. Sorry this is where I stopped reading... I think Hightower or Watkins has the potential to be exactly what this team needs. But i HATE when writers make giant leaps in reality when it comes to player comps. If he were to preface the comment with the words "poor man's version" then maybe we can talk; otherwise I cant take you seriously (whether you are a writer, analyst, or fan).
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