How badly do the Eagles need a clear WR2?

[time2rock]

How badly do the Eagles need a clear WR2?

Bryan Cameron

 

 

The Eagles are in an odd position right now offensively. The chains are moving thanks to the run game but the passing game seems involve only two players – Dallas Goedert and DeVonta Smith. While both are explosive playmakers, what happens when defenses take those guys away?

 

We know DeVonta Smith is a stellar route-runner and can get separation at any point while Dallas Goedert has a great catch radius and can get you plenty of yards after the catch almost every time down but what about the others?

 

Quez Watkins has seemingly disappeared in recent weeks and former first-round pick, Jalen Reagor, is having a terrible season, and Greg Ward Jr hasn’t been a factor all year. Could it be the limited offense that they’re running due to the development of Jalen Hurts? We know that Jalen is extremely picky in terms of where he wants to place the ball, but what gives?

 

The Eagles have three first-round picks this offseason and while the consensus is saying that they should either invest all three into the defense or trade them for a top-flight QB; I’m of the mindset that you have to get another young playmaker to line up opposite of DeVonta Smith.

 

The coaching staff has shown that they either don’t know how to use Jalen Reagor or maybe they’re not impressed with his work ethic. We’ve seen Reagor let up on routes and just give up on plays, but the locker room hasn’t turned against him which speaks volumes to the culture that Sirianni has created. Unfortunately, Jalen Reagor’s father feels differently.

 

Recently he took to Twitter to throw a shot at the lack of opportunities for Jalen Reagor. Montae Reagor mentioned, "Wish 18 could get a Play Design like that instead of a damn tunnel screen he running for his life on EVERYTIME. MUST BE NICE.” He then followed that tweet by saying, "Good job by Jalen and Quez, clearing out and creating Natural pick for reception by #6.”

 

It’s clear that frustration is mounting on Jalen Reagor’s side and if the Eagles move on from the former first-round pick then what’s left for them to do?

 

The team needs a clear-cut WR2 and unfortunately, it’s not Quez Watkins. It won’t be Greg Ward Jr or JJAW. Defenses wouldn’t respect those guys enough to allow themselves to lose focus on Smith and Goedert.

 

If the team wants to reach the next level this offseason then one of two things needs to happen. They need to invest in a WR2 in either free agency or the draft. If they’re not confident that a rookie could come in and help Hurts grow in year three then they have to get a veteran who’s still an efficient receiver.

 

If your QB’s eyes are only focused on two playmakers and those guys are covered, would you want your QB to continue to scramble? Jeffrey Lurie is an owner that heavily trusts analytics and they should tell him that the way to win is through the air. If that’s the case then help your QB as opposed to trying to replace him this offseason even… if it means going for a wideout in the first round for the third year in a row.

 

https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2021/11/24/eagles-wr2/

[birdman#12]

What difference would it make if Sirianni doesn't know how to utilize him or the QB isn't targeting him?? 

Smith has 3-4 catches a game since Sirianni found out it's legal to run the ball in the NFL 6 games ago.  Reagor is certainly having his problems this year, but Quez Watkins 3-4 targets a game in that time span.

A team can always use more talent......but Sirianni has some serious shortcomings when it comes to utilizing guys. 

The eagles have a developmental QB......and until he improves his game, it won't matter who the eagles get........can't catch a ball not thrown to you.  And Hurts right now, gets happy feet way too much.

 

[UK_EaglesFan89]

Despite their investment in the position they will still need further investment. They absolutely need a complimentary WR opposite Smith.

[eggs]

I think if someone falls to them in the draft for good value it makes sense but it will likely be easier to sign a veteran as we have some cap room for modest FA signings next year. For example, someone like a 28 year old Sammy Watkins is on a 1 year $5 MM deal with the Ravens.  We could afford him and maybe give him a 2-3 year deal to help with the cap issues. We also need a reliable bigger receiver.  

[Southparkeagles]

Considering our track record in drafting WRs in the early rounds (1 for 3), I’d like them to address that position in F/A. We should focus completely on the defense. DE, S, CB, DT, and LB; any assortment of these positions will improve this team immensely. We shouldn’t be drafting offensively in the 1st rd this year, even for a QB. 

[PoconoDon]

They need a WR who has the talent to challenge Smith for the WR1 roster spot. Then, whoever loses the competition becomes WR2, and a damn fine one at that. that's my preferred approach.

[UK_EaglesFan89]

6 hours ago, Southparkeagles said:

Considering our track record in drafting WRs in the early rounds (1 for 3), I’d like them to address that position in F/A. We should focus completely on the defense. DE, S, CB, DT, and LB; any assortment of these positions will improve this team immensely. We shouldn’t be drafting offensively in the 1st rd this year, even for a QB. 

There's potentially going to be some really good FA options so yeah that's the way that I would prefer they do it. 

[EaglesAddict]

8 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

There's potentially going to be some really good FA options so yeah that's the way that I would prefer they do it. 

Yep.  I will actually be fully expecting them to target a WR early in FA that will be signed to be a difference maker.  It's just a matter of who will actually make it to FA.  Give me one of Mike Williams, Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson, or Davante Adams (yeah right) and I'll be extremely happy.  On a lesser scale, I'd be "okay" with Michael Gallup (likely to be overpaid, though) or JuJu from Pittsburgh. 

From the top tier, the one with the best shot to actually make it to FA is Robinson, IMO.  If Williams is available, I'd wonder if he'd be Siri's guy...he was the Chargers' WR coach when he was drafted.

[Procus]

I agree with those calling for the Birds to sign a FA at that position.  They'll have the cap space to do that now.