Philadelphia Eagles: What should we expect from Jalen Reagor in 2021?

While many have been quick to point out that Jalen Hurts was the “big winner” during this year’s NFL Draft due to the selection of DeVonta Smith, there’s another second-year Philadelphia Eagles player who should be feeling rather pleased with Howie Roseman’s decision to go receiver in the first round.

The Eagles’ newest WR2, Jalen Reagor.

Drafted to be Carson Wentz’ go-to target of the future last offseason, Reagor had himself a very below average rookie campaign. Not only did he battle multiple injuries throughout the entire regular season, but he was also rather ineffective when healthy. Reagor averaged just 36 receiving yards per game in 2020, which saw him ranked towards the bottom of all rookie WRs.

Throw in the fact that Justin Jefferson – who the Eagles passed on to draft the likes of Reagor – had the best rookie receiving year in NFL history, and it’s not hard to figure out why people were already writing off the TCU product as a “bust” just one year into his NFL career.

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However, with a new #1 wide receiver now set to dominate the attention of opposing DBs and rival defensive coordinators, there’s a rather high chance that Reagor could be in for a much better sophomore season. A lot of it depends on how Hurts plays in his first season as a full-time starter, but the pathway to success is definitely there for Reagor in 2021.

What should Philadelphia Eagles fans expect out of Jalen Reagor in 2021?

While everyone would love to see Reagor explode for a 1,000 yard season, I think the odds of such a feat are slim. DeVonta Smith will likely command a majority of the targets this year, and the Nick Sirianni led Philadelphia Eagles are also expected to be rather run-heavy moving forward.

The team has already added the likes of Kenneth Gainwell and Kerryon Johnson to a running backs room that had Miles Sanders and Boston Scott. One can only assume that this year’s squad is going to emulate the Colts’ “ground and pound” offense that they successfully ran in 2019 and 2020.

With that said, I think a 600+ yard season with another 100+ rushing yards should be obtainable for Reagor in 2021. Not only are you expecting Reagor to improve as a route runner and as a pass catcher during his second season in the pros, but you’re also expecting the Eagles new-look coaching staff to do a far better job of getting him the football moving forward.

Screens, end arounds, quick slants, etc. All things that Doug Pederson didn’t particularly implement with Reagor in 2020. A dynamic runner with the ball in his hands, manufacturing touches for the speedy receiver while teams are honed in on Smith should be a priority in 2021.

Getting Reagor more consistent special teams reps is another way Sirianni could look to weaponize the receiver’s speed moving forward. Reagor flashed some genuine punt return ability against the Packers last season – for whatever reason the previous coaching staff was reluctant to make him the full-time returner.

700+ yards of total offense is still a rather lofty goal to set for a player who really struggled to make an impact last season, but I think it’s also worth mentioning that the Eagles didn’t add any real additional WR talent this offseason outside of Smith. They’re likely banking on the idea that Reagor can take a rather large step forward here in 2021.