Eagles 2021 training camp preview: Wide receiver

[time2rock]

Eagles 2021 training camp preview: Wide receiver 

Glenn Erby 

 

July 12, 2021 1:58 pm ET

 

With Eagles training camp about two weeks away, we’re taking a look at each positional group by previewing what’s to come.

• Quarterback
• Running back

Today, we focus on a talented, but unknown wide receivers group that could finally take the next step thanks to DeVonta Smith’s arrival.

The participants

Dec 20, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Travis Fulgham (13) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia will bring nine wide receivers to camp in two weeks, with several positions set for intense camp battles.

J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
19 WR 6-2 225 24 3 Stanford

Jhamon Ausbon
48 WR 6-2 217 21 R Texas A&M

Travis Fulgham
13 WR 6-2 215 25 3 Old Dominion

John Hightower
82 WR 6-2 190 25 2 Boise State

Jalen Reagor
18 WR 5-11 197 22 2 TCU

DeVonta Smith
6 WR 6-0 170 22 R Alabama

Michael Walker
17 WR 5-11 194 24 2 Boston College

Greg Ward
84 WR 5-11 190 26 3 Houston

Quez Watkins
16 WR 6-0 193 23 2 Southern Mississippi

Current depth chart

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor carries the ball during NFL football practice at Lincoln Financial Field, Friday, June 4, 2021, in Philadelphia. (Tim Tai/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, Pool)

Wide receiver

Jalen Reagor Z — Starter
Quez Watkins
Jhamon Ausbon
John Hightower

Wide receiver

DeVonta Smith X — Starter
Travis Fulgham
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside

Slot WR

Travis Fulgham — Starter
Greg Ward
Michael Walker

Smith is the new No. 1 wide receiver after the Eagles selected the Heisman Trophy winner with the No. 10 overall pick. His presence should immediately make life easier for Jalen Reagor and become the roster’s most polished route runner.

Fulgham will have a chance to build on his breakout season and could make Philadelphia that much more dangerous if he gets to work against smaller defenders in the slot. Watkins, Hightower, and Arcega-Whiteside must earn roster spots. The Eagles’ undrafted rookie out of Texas A&M, Jhamon Ausbon, could make two more spots expendable.

New faces

(Tim Tai/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, Pool)

Smith is ready to be the guy for Philadelphia from Day 1, while Michael Walker could land a role in the slot and on special teams.

Ausbon had 66 catches for 872 yards and five touchdowns in 2019 before opting out of the Aggies’ 2020 season.

Camp battles

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver John Hightower (82) in action prior to the NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

With Smith, Reagor, and Ward or Fulgham entrenched as the likely starters, the role of red zone threat and backup Z could come down to a battle between Arcega-Whiteside, John Hightower, and Quez Watkins.

53-man roster candidates

(Tim Tai/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, Pool)

Smith, Reagor, Ward, and Fulgham should be a lock to make the roster. Michael Walker’s ability on special teams could make him a dark-horse candidate. Arcega-Whiteside needs a strong training camp to make the roster, while Quez Watkins and John Hightower could battle for the final spot.

Watkins looks stronger and more explosive this summer and fits what Nick Sirianni wants in his underneath players.

Storylines to watch

Philadelphia Eagles’ J.J. Arcega-Whiteside participates in a drill during organized team activities at the NFL football team’s training facility, Tuesday, May 25, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, Pool)

Without a doubt, it’s Arcega-Whiteside, a 2019 second-round pick, and his quest to avoid being waived or traded after two frustrating seasons. A red zone monster at Stanford and bonafide star, Arcega-Whiteside has yet to record 20 catches during his NFL career and his disappointing play is further highlighted by the development of guys like Diontae Johnson, DK Metcalf, Terry McLaurin, A.J. Brown, Darius Slayton, Deebo Samuel, and Mecole Hardman.

https://theeagleswire.usatoday.com/lists/philadelphia-eagles-training-camp-preview-wide-receiver-position-devonta-smith-jalen-reagor/

 

[Portyansky]

Not sure why Ward gets thrown to the side. He is the most consistent WR we have and has done really well in the slot.

[time2rock]

2 hours ago, Portyansky said:

Not sure why Ward gets thrown to the side. He is the most consistent WR we have and has done really well in the slot.

He’s been the best of the bunch but this is the tallest midget competition comparison.  There are opportunities to add someone more explosive there (Ward isn’t "explosive” … he is more "reliable”).  

[jsdarkstar]

I believe the WR's will be

Smith, Reagor, Watkins, Fulgham, Hightower and Ward.

[UK_EaglesFan89]

20 hours ago, jsdarkstar said:

I believe the WR's will be

Smith, Reagor, Watkins, Fulgham, Hightower and Ward.

Yeah I'd go with that. I would have put Grimes in the mix before the injury. 

[PoconoDon]

On 7/16/2021 at 10:56 AM, jsdarkstar said:

I believe the WR's will be

Smith, Reagor, Watkins, Fulgham, Hightower and Ward.

I agree.

[Portyansky]

On 7/14/2021 at 1:33 PM, time2rock said:

He’s been the best of the bunch but this is the tallest midget competition comparison.  There are opportunities to add someone more explosive there (Ward isn’t "explosive” … he is more "reliable”).  

I hate comparing us to anything NE. But that's all TB12 had (aside from Moss). Reliable WRs that catch balls and move the chains.