DeVonta Smith & Jalen Reagor ready to take flight 🦅 pic.twitter.com/jJpFViQPrm
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) September 4, 2021
The Eagles are a darkhorse candidate in the NFC for a myriad of reasons, but one positive bubble below the surface stems from the potential of the wide receiving corps.
One reason for optimism is Philadelphia’s 2021 schedule.
Pro Football Focus recently used their strength of schedule tool to forecast which receiving corps has the softest schedule this season. DeVonta Smith’s fantasy value is about to skyrocket after Philadelphia’s landed at No. 1 on the list.
1. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Primary Secondary Slot
DeVonta Smith Jalen Reagor Jalen Reagor
DeVonta Smith leaped right to the top of the Eagles’ depth chart this offseason. The 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft will pair smooth route running and big-play ability with talented sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts.Speaking of players named Jalen, the man holding down the slot position this season will likely be Jalen Reagor. Last season, Reagor struggled playing out wide with a supporting cast of Greg Ward and Travis Fulgham (who was recently waived). Reagor may have some post-hype sleeper value with a transition to the slot.
With the softest schedule for receivers, this could be a fun start to the season for the young passing attack. Its most difficult matchup is the Buccaneers. Eight of Philly’s matchups are rated 6.3 or better — very good matchups for the position.
Second-year wide receivers Jalen Reagor and Quez Watkins are prepared to breakout, while DeVonta Smith should replicate Justin Jefferson’s rookie numbers in 2021.
If J.J. Arcega-Whiteside can make himself serviceable in the red zone, opposing defenses better watch out.
