Philadelphia Eagles: Do they really need to go WR in the first round?

The Eagles have poured a healthy amount of draft capital into the WR position over the last couple of seasons, which is a tactic that analytic models tend to frown upon when it comes to longterm team building. In fact, when looking at which position groups drafted in the first round actually receive second contracts with their team, the WR position ranks dead last.

Even if you really like a WR prospect (like DeVonta Smith for example), the odds of him being on the team in five years are significantly lower compared to an offensive lineman or a defensive lineman, when looking at the historical data.

Ultimately speaking, the direction that the Philadelphia Eagles go with the 12th overall pick should depend on how their draft board is lined up. If they have Smith or Waddle as their top-ranked prospect, by all means draft them and build the offense around them.

However, the notion that the Eagles simply have to draft a WR by any means necessary isn’t one backed by any legitimate data and/or logic. As fun as elite wide receivers are to watch come Sunday, the best teams in the NFL are typically built from the line up. Look no further than Justin Jefferson and the Vikings from last year. Jefferson had the best rookie WR season in league history, and the Vikings only mustered up seven wins (primarily due to bad trench play.)

As unpopular as it may be, the Eagles holding off until Day 2 to land a new receiver is probably the best plan of attack next week.