It is no secret leading up to Thursday night’s NFL Draft that the Philadelphia Eagles are in desperate need to improve the wide receiver position. With aging oft-injured veterans like Alshon Jeffery and Desean Jackson, combined with underperforming former draft picks and journeymen ie. Arcega-Whiteside and Greg Ward; you could argue the former NFC East Division Champions have the worst talent at WR in the league. Given that experts and media alike are calling this the deepest class of pass catchers in league history, it seems the Birds are destined to fill their most pressing need.

If you google any 2020 NFL mock draft, odds are the ‘experts’ have the Eagles selecting from the pool of the top six prospects at the position. Many also have the Birds taking a receiver in the 2nd rd with the 53rd pick. The Eagles clearly need to add youth and speed to the depth chart, although I do not necessarily agree it needs to be addressed in their first two picks.

Looking back at just the past three years of draft history it becomes clear that selecting a receiving prospect high in the draft does not guarantee success. The following players were taken outside of the first round. 

2019: #36 (Deebo Samuel) #51 (AJ Brown) and #64 (DK Metcalf)

2018 : #40 (Courtland Sutton) #61 (DJ Chark)  #81 (Michael Gallup)

2017: #62 (JuJu Smith Schuster) #69 (Cooper Kupp) #84 (Chris Godwin)  #96 (Kenny Golladay)

The next four guys are the wideouts I believe could be drafted outside the top 53 picks but deliver 1st round production.

Bryan Edwards, South Carolina- SR 

One of the more intriguing prospects in this year’s draft, Edwards was a 4-year starter at South Carolina. Edwards was an immediate contributor for the Gamecocks at just 17 years old his freshman season in Columbia. He produced against top level competition in the SEC while catching the assignment of the opponents best cover corners. Despite this he found success as the most talented player on a below average team. Edwards owns the USC school record in receptions and receiving yards. 

As a USC alumnus, I am more familiar with Edwards than anybody in this year’s draft. He doesn’t jump off the screen with pure athleticism, but at 6’3 215 he frequently uses his large frame and ability to beat press coverage and consistently makes contested catches. He was the focal point of a South Carolina offense that was putrid for the majority of his college career. Despite battling injuries during his senior year and the loss of breakout star Deebo Samuel, Edwards put up 70+ yards receiving in eight games. Due to a foot injury sustained during the season he was unable to perform in the Senior Bowl or combine and lost the ability to convince scouts he was worthy of a 2nd rd pick.  I believe he would be an absolute steal at selection 103 in the 3rd round.

How he fits the Eagles..

Edwards could start day 1 in the slot, but may have a more difficult time working on the outside to begin his career. While he lacks the explosion of other prospects, Edwards could become a sure handed target with the ability to make tough catches for Carson Wentz. Edwards handled punt receiving duties for the Gamecock and could be an immediate contributor on special teams. 

Why he could bust..

As noted before, Edwards does not possess elite athleticism or speed. Most of his production came out of the slot position in college or on screen plays.  He does not project to vertically challenge defenses at the next level. He didn’t miss many games but has a history of nagging injuries which could plague him at the next level.

Van Jefferson, Florida – SR 

Another 4 year starter, Jefferson put up consistent numbers throughout his career. First with Ole Miss before transferring for his final two seasons to the University of Florida. His father played in the NFL for 13 seasons and is currently the wide receivers coach for the New York Jets. In perhaps the biggest game of the season against the eventual national champion LSU, Jefferson had 8 receptions for 73 yards and 2 TD’s. 

How he fits the Eagles:

Jefferson enters the draft as one of the best route runners of the group. He profiles as a slot receiver who can possibly start week 1. His quick feet and ability to change direction on a dime could translate immediately to the next level. Carson Wentz and the Eagles are one of the top ‘RPO’ teams in the league. Jefferson could excel in Doug Pederson’s scheme.

*** The poor play of his quarterbacks in college can help explain his good but not elite statistics. Shea Patterson, Feleipe Franks and freshman Kyle Trask weren’t exactly lighting the world on fire.

Why he could bust..

Jefferson lacks elite speed. He ran a 4.55 at the combine. It is clear that scouts and fans are clamoring for a receiver who can take the top off of the defense. This is not Van’s strength. He also has not been consistent at putting up YAC. He is slightly undersized at 6’2 200 lbs and while he plays with physicality his overall athleticism will be questioned at the next level.  

KJ Hill, Ohio State – SR 

Hill mulled entering the 2019 draft but chose to return for his senior season in Columbus. In 2019-20 he broke David Boston’s all-time receptions record while leading the Buckeyes in that category (57 receptions, 636 yards, 11.2 average, 10 touchdowns). KJ consistently played against top level competition on the biggest stage and produced. If Hill develops he could be the best slot receiver in this year’s draft. 

How he fits the Eagles..

Hill profiles as another option to take over immediately for Agholor and Gred Ward in the slot for 2020. His route running still needs to improve but if the Eagles can find creative ways to get him the ball he can excel in YAC. Hill was a contributor in the kick off and punt return unit for the Buckeyes and could bring special teams skills to the next level. As a potential 4th or 5th rd pick KJ could develop into the best slot receiver in the draft. 

Why he could bust..

The first red flag is the 4.6 he ran at the combine. At 6’0 190 lbs you would expect a player at his size to run better. Hill doesn’t project to line up on the outside and is not a strong blocker. If Hill can’t get separation at the next level he does not possess the versatility or speed to break press coverage. 

Michael Pittman Jr, Southern Cal – SR 

The first 3 players on the list profiled to mainly work out of the slot. At 6’4 223 Pittman Jr. is a big bodied receiver who projects to play on the outside at the next level. Pittman dominated Pac 12 competition in 2020 and was a nominee for the Belintekoff Award given annually to the top WR. You may remember his father Michael Pittman, who was an NFL running back for the Arizona Cardinals. He is also a favorite of media giant Colin Cowherd who is confident in his ability to become a standout NFL wideout.

How he fits the Eagles..

Pittman projects to line up primarily on the outside similar to Alshon Jeffrey. With his ability to go up and make contested catches he could immediately provide better spacing for an offense lacking top end speed. 

Why he could bust..

I know Eagles fans wont be excited about taking another receiver out of the PAC 12. I don’t blame them one bit. The recent history of pass catchers coming out of this conference is pretty weak. Pittman needed an outstanding combine process to rise up draft boards. He did not show consistent production over the course of his college career, rather relying on a standout senior year as a 22 year old playing against younger competition.