The Philadelphia Eagles drafted JJ Arcega-Whiteside, with the thought that they could present matchup nightmares all across the board, depending on the formation or play call. Several teams drafted wide receivers in the NFL Draft, but how many clubs got a great fit, or a weapon that can enhance the productivity of their quarterback?
The Eagles and Howie Roseman believe Arcega-Whiteside can be a game changer, and Pro Football Focus both agree.
PFF named Arcega-Whiteside one of the best fits in the 2019 NFL Draft and a guy that could become the perfect weapon for Carson Wentz.
For Arcega-Whiteside his best route is the go-route, and he and Carson Wentz could tear the league apart with the former Stanford All-American streaking down the sideline or the middle of the field.
Arcega-Whiteside was the draft class’ highest-graded receiver on go concepts, including seams, back-shoulder go, end-zone fades and flys that broke off another route. On those go route concepts, Arcega-Whiteside showcased what made us here at PFF come to love him. He has an innate ability to high point the football while also dominating over defensive backs at the catch point. He made 11 contested catches on go routes last year and turned 39 targets into 14 explosive plays of 15 or more yards. All 20 of his go route receptions either moved the chains (eight) or scored six points (12).
The pairing works for the Eagles and Arcega will compliment Wentz, who’s strength is delivering the great ball on the go routes. In 2018, Went completed 12 go-routes, for 271 yards and two scores.
Some of those throws included this zip line to Alshon Jeffery.
Arcega-Whiteside’s ability to win any contested-catch opportunity the red zone will allow Wentz to flourish even more as he ascends up the list of top quarterbacks in the game.
