Training Camp Preview: Wide Receiver

The Eagles kick off training camp this Friday with a lot of big headlines. Many positions are in competition for the starting job but one position just might be the deepest position on the team. Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Jason Avant have been the three receivers for the past 4 years and have been very consistent. Desean Jackson is going to fit extremely well in Chip Kelly's offense. His speed and good hands are going to help him get the ball a lot more than he did with Reid. Kelly might use him like Percy Harvin and Randall Cobb where he can line up more than just at the Z receiver spot. He is being used in the slot, punt returner again, and at running back which is a new aspect of his game that might be a big asset to the Eagles. Jeremy Maclin has had the most receptions in his first 4 seasons than any Eagle in history but the one thing that concerns me and many other Eagle fans and analyst is, he has yet to break 1,000 yards in a season. This might be due to all the weapons on the Eagles or maybe injuries that have been a bit of a concern the past couple years. Scoring 7 touchdowns last year led the team last season, he isn't the tallest player but he has good size to help out in the red zone. Chip Kelly will want Maclin to be able to block which is a weak point so if he wants to stay on the field, that will have to be a part of his game. Jason Avant has improved every single year in receptions with over 60 last season, but he never scores in the end zone and just doesn't fit the mold as a WR for Chip Kelly. His blocking is very good which will be his strong point in order to still start at slot. Now lets talk about the depth of the position with currently Riley Cooper, Damaris Johnson, Arrelious Benn, and Ifeanyi Momah battling for two or three spots. I believe Riley Cooper is a lock to make the team, last year he was exactly what the Eagles needed in the red zone especially against the Dallas Cowboys his two highlight reel one handed grabs which proves his ability to go up and get the football which isn't a strength of Jackson, Maclin, maybe not Avant who has the best hands on the team. Now I have a different opinion on Damaris Johnson than most and here it is. Honestly I don't understand why we need him, yes he is extremely fast but we have Desean Jackson who is a much better version of Johnson. The Eagles need big receivers as our backups and I think Arrelious Benn will beat him out for the 5th WR spot. Chip Kelly does like fast, versatile players but I believe Jackson and Maclin can be the ones lined up in different spots as well as Tight End James Casey. Arrelious Benn didn't pan out well in Tampa Bay, he did start 25 games for them and is a pretty big guy standing at 6'2 and 188 pounds, so he is no small guy. His highest yard total in his 3 years was in 2011 with 441 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is most likely the biggest at risk to get cut of the players mentioned but if he can show his physicality in the red zone and again block well in the preseason and training camp, he should beat out Johnson who isn't of much use unless Desean Jackson goes down after injuries. Now I want to talk a little bit about Ifeanyi Momah who stands at a towering 6'7 but is coming off a ACL tear at Boston College. His huge speed is such a plus it is so hard to pass him up as a number 6 WR. I don't think he can make it if 5 receivers are kept but if there is 6 they need to let him be on the sidelines and learn and also maybe contribute in the red zone. Is he a upgrade over someone like Plaxico Burress.....I would think so since there is a higher ceiling. In Boston College he had 6 touchdowns in two years before his ACL tear which isn't very impressive but he has the raw ability that Chip Kelly could mold into a player like Plaxico Burress, if he doesn't make the roster expect him to be on the practice squad and be a call up in case of a injury. Wide Receiver is arguably the deepest position on the team and the speed, size, and skills can help the Eagles get back to the playoffs and make the offense get back to one of the best in the league. 

Predicted Depth Chart

1. Desean Jackson

2. Jeremy Maclin

3. Jason Avant

4. Riley Cooper

5. Damaris Johnson

6. Arrelious Benn

Ifeanyi Momah - Practice Squad