Philadelphia Eagles: Greg Ward set to compete for starting WR job

Greg Ward could end up as a starting WR for the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles.

Despite coming on and literally saving the season last year, there were some serious doubts on whether former practice squad hero Greg Ward would even make the roster in 2020. The Philadelphia Eagles had invested heavily into their wide receiver room during the offseason, and it appeared that Ward was on the outside looking in.

Now just a few weeks away from NFL football, it looks like Ward could be far closer to a starting gig with the Eagles than he is to being released.

For reference’s sake, Ward was a midseason practice squad call-up last year who ended up playing a crucial role for Philadelphia down the stretch. Operating almost exclusively out of the slot, Ward recorded 21 catches and 209 receiving yards during the team’s closing four game run. He caught the game winning touchdown in Week 16 against the Washington Football Team, and finished the season as Carson Wentz‘ number one option at the WR position.

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Wentz didn’t throw a single interception when targeting Ward and recorded a passer rating of 95.2 when throwing his way. For good measure, the college QB turned NFL WR also didn’t drop a single pass in 2019.

Following the opt-out of Marquise Goodwin earlier in the month, it seemed like Ward’s stock was seriously rising. Many viewed Goodwin as the Eagles preferred go-to backup at the WR position. With the former 49er now no longer active for the 2020 season, Ward was the only receiver left on the roster capable of filling that WR4 job.

However, when asked about Ward specifically, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson stated that he is “in the starting mix”.

"“We expect some really big things from Greg. He can be a leader… and a mentor to some of our young players”."

I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound like the description of someone destined for a role on the bench in 2020.

On face value, it makes a lot of sense. The Eagles have a ton of really young and inexperienced rookies at the WR position, and guys like JJ Arcega-Whiteside and DeSean Jackson have their own respective question marks hanging around them. Ward is the only healthy WR currently on the roster who had any sort of extended success with the Eagles last season.

Many people felt the Eagles weren’t going to run a traditional “slot receiver” in 2020. Following the selection of rookie wideout Jalen Reagor, it was assumed him and JJAW would operate the outside jobs while DJax would slide inside as an extra deep threat. With news that Ward could be battling for a starting job, that might not be the case.

Instead, Pederson and the Eagles could be eyeing a scenario where Reagor and DJax stretch the field on the outside, while Ward joins Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert as underneath routes over the middle. It’s a unique and new approach to the offense, but it definitely works in theory.

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Personally, I really like Ward. He plays with heart and hustle and worked his butt off last year to make an impact down the stretch. Ward has been cut multiple times by the Eagles in the past, and still continues to show up each season ready to learn and grow. At just 25 years old, there’s also plenty of reason to devote time into his development. If anyone deserves a shot as the starting slot WR in 2020, it’s Ward.

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