Can Quez Watkins help save a struggling Philadelphia Eagles offense?
By David Esser
Rookie WR Quez Watkins could give the Philadelphia Eagles a much-needed spark on offense.
Through the first four games of the 2020 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles are once again seeing themselves receive some pretty miserable production from their wide receiver room. Veterans DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery are stealing checks with their injury-laced absences, JJ Arcega-Whiteside looks like one of the biggest busts in franchise history, and first-round draft pick Jalen Reagor saw just two active games before taking his own personal trip to the IR.
The Eagles had the worst performing wide receivers in the league last year, and Howie Roseman simply didn’t do enough to address the position this offseason. He relied way too heavily on aging veterans, and he failed to even bring in a single depth piece via free agency.
Before we turn this into one giant Howie Roseman rant, the one thing this situation has done is provide some of the younger guys on offense with extra looks. Greg Ward continues to be “Mr. Reliable” out of the slot (team-high 146 yards), Travis Fulgham caught the game-winning TD against San Fran, and rookie John Hightower is starting to make strides in the right direction.
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With that in mind, a returning Quez Watkins is now set to see the opportunity of a lifetime. The Eagles sixth-round pick (#200) in this year’s draft, Watkins entered training camp receiving high praise for his elite speed (4.35 40-yard).
After making a name for himself via the kick return game his Sophomore year, Watkins really exploded onto the national stage during his Junior season. He recorded 1,178 yards, 64 catches, and 6 receiving TDs, promptly declaring for the draft following the conclusion of his breakout season.
Watkins’ best trait comes with his before mentioned ability to stretch the defense over the top, but some of his biggest plays did end up coming out of the slot at Southern Mississippi.
Normally, sixth-round picks wouldn’t get a whole lot of run time during their rookie seasons, especially on the Eagles. Philadelphia in particular has been known to take their sweet time ramping up young players during their rookie seasons (looking at you Davion Taylor!).
However, Watkins is now entering an offense that desperately needs some extra playmaking at the WR position. Not only is Watkins a threat with his speed, but his ability to slide inside on occasion gives Carson Wentz one extra weapon to look to across the middle of the field. While Ward has done a fine job holding down those short-to-intermediate routes, having someone with 4.35 speed lining up in the slot should in theory be an upgrade.
The Philadelphia Eagles don’t need Watkins to come in and hang 100 yards on the Steelers (although that would be much appreciated), but they could really use a little spark out of him within the offense. One big play over the top, a clean route across the middle on third and long, etc. Anything to help Wentz out a little bit in the passing game would be a welcome sight.