Top Heavy

The Eagles have a pair of elite receivers in AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. They can move the chains and stretch the field. They make incredible catches and big plays after catching short passes. They just might be the best WR duo in the league.

After that things fall quite a bit.

Quez Watkins played well in 2021, going 43-647-1. The addition of Brown meant Watkins would have a different role in 2022. There wouldn’t be as many passes coming his way. Still, it was hoped he could find a niche and continue to be a playmaker. Watkins went 33-354-1 and really struggled at times. Instead of going forward, he took a step back.

Zach Pascal was a good #3/#4 receiver. He made some key catches without getting a lot of touches. Pascal was a terrific blocker and a key player on STs. He won’t be returning, though.

The #AZCardinals have agreed to terms with WR Zach Pascal on a two-year deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Pascal and new Cards HC Jonathan Gannon were together with the #Colts and #Eagles, so Gannon knows well what Pascal can do as a well-rounded receiver.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 20, 2023

Pascal only caught 15 passes last year. He didn’t complain and embraced doing the dirty work. But he didn’t want another year of that. Now he’ll be in Arizona where he won’t have a pair of elite guys ahead of him. There will be a chance for more of a role in the passing game.

The Eagles can feel very good about Brown and Smith, but they can’t be happy with the guys behind them. Watkins has the potential to be a good #3, but his struggles late in the season are worrying. Would you want to count on him if Brown or Smith got hurt?

Britain Covey didn’t catch a pass last year. I’m still very intrigued by Devon Allen, but he’s never even played in a regular season game. Tyrie Cleveland is on the roster. He’s got 8 catches in his storied career.

The Eagles need better depth at receiver. Some people have done mock drafts with the Eagles using a first round pick on a WR. I don’t get that. It would be great insurance and would give the Eagles another playmaker, but Brown and Smith are volume receivers. They combined for 183 catches last year. The other receivers caught 48 passes. I don’t think you can spend a first rounder on a receiver to come in and be a depth piece.

Finding a veteran to add to the mix will be tricky. No player will want to come here purely as a role player. If the Eagles cut Watkins, that might change things. There aren’t great options on the market anyway. People have asked about Elijah Moore and OBJ and guys like that. Not happening. Moore got traded today so he’s definitely out, but he was frustrated with his lack of touches in NY. OBJ wants to be a starter. The Eagles are looking for backups. Talented backups, but still guys that can be effective as role players.

I’d like to see the Eagles add a couple of receivers in the draft. I love Jonathan Mingo from Ole Miss. Think of him as AJ Brown Lite. Similar size, just not the same level of player. Jayden Reed from Michigan State is a talented receiver and returner. He would make a lot of sense. There will be some good mid-round options.

I would love to see Allen become a contributor this year. He showed real potential last summer, as a receiver and STer. He has elite speed and could be an interesting weapon. You just can’t rely on him becoming a good player. He’ll have a shot, but needs competition.

The Eagles are set at the top, but they do need to improve their depth.

*****

Reviewed the structure for both #Eagles CB deals. Darius Slay was previously due $17.5 million in 2023.

Now owed $11.65m this year and $11.64m next year. In effect, a two-year, $23.29 million deal, which is about what he would’ve gotten elsewhere if cut.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 22, 2023

As for James Bradberry, his deal pays $18m over the next two years (plus $2m more in ’24 if he’s voted to Pro Bowl or named All-Pro).

So the #Eagles retained both CBs for $41-43m and change over the next two seasons, a per-year, per-player average of just over $10m a season.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 22, 2023

The Eagles are set at CB for 2023 and 2024. They still could take a CB high. That’s a premium position and you never know when someone will get hurt. With both Slay and Bradberry being older, you need a plan for the future.

The most interesting option at 10 would be Christian Gonzalez.

Christian Gonzalez is long and fast… but his hips are what ties it all together. As loose/fluid/oily (pick your term) hips as I’ve ever seen studying CBs

Shows up all the time.

6013 197 4.38
41.5” Vertical, 11’1 Broad
And he turns 21yrs old in June. pic.twitter.com/Ada2mep0Of

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) March 22, 2023

That is incredibly impressive.

*****

I’d love to know if the Eagles had serious interest in Zach Allen when he was unsigned. We never heard anything definitive. I bring this up because there is a player in the draft who is similar to Allen in size and skill set.

https://twitter.com/nickbaumgardner/status/1633830987586211847

Daniel Jeremiah had the Eagles taking Van Ness at 10 in a recent mock draft. He would be a really interesting addition to the defense. Gifted athlete and disruptive force who can play all over.

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