The Philadelphia Eagles have a major “problem” at WR

The Philadelphia Eagles have a wonderful “problem” at WR.

The Philadelphia Eagles definitely have a problem when it comes to their wide receiver room, it’s just not the problem you’re used to. For the first time in what feels like an eternity, the Eagles might actually have too many talented pass-catchers. With roster cuts looming, the team is going to have to make some seriously tough decisions when it comes to the final 53-man.

It wasn’t really a secret that the Eagles needed to add receivers this offseason. The team arguably had the worst performing group in the entire NFL last year, and it showed in the stat sheet. Carson Wentz didn’t have a single WR record over 500 receiving yards, and the team had resorted to random practice squad call-ups by the end of the season.

Guys like Robert Davis and Shelton Gibson made appearances with the NFC East title on the line. Not ideal.

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However, Howie Roseman and the Eagles were aggressive in acting upon their pass-catching issues. They drafted three speedsters in this year’s NFL draft, including using their first-round pick on TCU’s Jalen Reagor. John Hightower and Quez Watkins highlighted the later rounds, and the Eagles also added a handful of UDFAs and former practice squad guys to the roster for training camp.

While it’s always risky relying on so many young guys throughout a season, the Eagles new group of wideouts have thoroughly impressed through training camp thus far. Reagor has received Julio Jones level comparisons, both Watkins and Hightower routinely make plays during scrimmages and drills, last year’s practice squad hero Greg Ward has been getting starting slot reps, former second-round pick JJ Arcega-Whiteside looks far improved from his disastrous rookie season, and even Burnett has been a frequent name mentioned in roster predictions.

So what could possibly be the problem? Seeing so many young guys come out and perform well during training camp should obviously be viewed as a positive, right?

Well yes, it’s a wonderful sight seeing so many WRs making plays (the team’s drop rate is 3x lower than it was during last year’s camp). However, there are only so many roster spots available. This is what the current WR room is likely looking like:

• DeSean Jackson
• Jalen Reagor
• Greg Ward
• JJ Arcega-Whiteside
• John Hightower
• Quez Watkins/Deontay Burnett
• Alshon Jeffery (PUP)

The big battle is occurring down at the WR5 and WR6 spots. Most people are expecting the team to carry six receivers this year, but in all reality they could trim it down to five. This seriously puts the pressure on the young trio of Hightower, Watkins, and Burnett. Most fans have seemingly written off Watkins as a “lock” for this year’s 53-man, but a good chunk of beat reporters think the 22 year old Burnett has outplayed him during camp thus far.

The other obstacle that will present itself is Alshon Jeffery‘s return. Currently on the “physically unable to participate” list, the veteran WR is expected to be active later in the season. When/if he does return to action, the Eagles will have to make room for him on the roster as well.

Like previously mentioned, too many players performing above expectations during camp is a pretty awesome problem to have. The Philadelphia Eagles have plenty of options moving forward when it comes to their WR group, and it should surely be better than last year’s. However, the potential loss of a guy like Hightower, Watkins, or Burnett via the waiver wire this year would really sting, especially if one of them develops into a longterm starter in the NFL.