The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2020 NFL offseason with a need for speed as Howie Roseman and company look to upgrade the roster at several pertinent positions. Despite having a hefty load at wide receiver from a salary perspective, the Eagles are expected to be active during a historic NFL Draft that could see more than 8 wideouts selected in the first round.
Philadelphia doesn’t have to draft a receiver with their first-round pick, but this year would be as good as any year to take the leap.
With the Eagles needing a big-time playmaker on the outside or in the slot, here are seven wide receivers that make sense for the Eagles in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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1. Henry Ruggs III — Alabama
Ruggs III would be beyond an ideal fit for the Eagles at 21 and they should consider trading up for the former Crimson Tide star. The Athletics Dane Brugler ranks Ruggs 12th overall and projects him to go around No. 15.
The Eagles need to get faster and the 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds Ruggs III has been clocked at a 4.32-second 40-yard dash and could be the fastest player in the draft.
Ruggs III averaged 18.6 yards per catch this season and 17.5 yards per catch during his three-year career at Bama with 25 total touchdowns.
This is the season for comparison and Ruggs could be for Carson Wentz what Tyreek Hill has become for Patrick Mahomes.
2. Tee Higgins — Clemson
Let Higgins go to work on the outside and increase Wentz’s margin for error with his jump-ball skills.
Higgins can get it done through the air and on the ground as seen here against LSU on Monday night.
During his final season at Clemson, Higgins caught 59 passes for 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-4, 215-pound Higgins would provide the Eagles with a playmaker who has the size of Alshon Jeffery but the big-play ability of DeSean Jackson.
Last season at Clemson, Higgins averaging 19.8 yards per receptions. If you add-on the lineage of Tiger stars in the NFL like DeAndre Hopkins, Sammy Watkins, and Mike Williams, Higgins should have no problem continuing the strong receiver play in the pros.
3. Jalen Reagor — TCU
A 5 foot 11 dynamo, Reagor has the speed to stretch NFL defenses and could give the Eagles an option in the passing game that they’ve lacked since DeSean Jackson was drafted.
Reagor is one of the better kick and punt returning options in the draft as well.
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4. Binjimen Victor — Ohio State
Victor is an intriguing mid to late-round prospect and his Buckeye DNA gives him the benefit of the doubt when breaking down his tape and abilities on the outside.
Although not a star at Ohio State, Victor is a crisp route runner who is fluid coming out of the break with very sure hands. As a Senior for the Big 10 Champions, Victor had 35 catches for 573 yards and six touchdowns.
During Saturday’s East-West Shrine Bowl, Victor was the best offensive player on the field, hauling in several impressive balls, including this leaping touchdown.
5. Laviska Shenault Jr. — Colorado
Shenault Jr. is a quick-twitch player in the mold of Percy Harvin and will fit into any style of offense. Shenault Jr. has elite skills as a runner and receiver and could become a matchup nightmare for Carson Wentz and the Eagles.
6. Justin Jefferson — LSU
Justin Jefferson
Jefferson a fast and elusive playmaker who caught 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns for the nation’s No. 1 team.
Jefferson projects to be selected between the late first round and the second, giving the Eagles ample opportunity to snag another explosive target for Carson Wentz.
In last Monday’s 42-25 win over Clemson, Jefferson had nine catches for 108 yards.
7. K.J. Hamler — Penn State
Hamler was one of the most explosive wideouts in college football last season and will be even better in the NFL.
Hamler is ranked No. 10 among wide receiver prospects for the 2020 NFL draft by ESPN’s Mel Kiper and could be a viable late first-round or early second-round option for the Eagles if they choose to make a deal.
Hamler declared for the draft after catching 56 passes for 904 yards and eight touchdowns this season for the Nittany Lions.
He ranks No. 10 on Penn State’s all-time kickoff return list with a 25.2-yard average and last season he broke Saquon Barkley’s all-purpose yards record when he finished with 1,417 yards.
