April 19, 2016
After cutting DeSean Jackson (while getting zilch in return) and losing Jeremy Maclin in free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles were left with little in the way of receivers who could stretch the field vertically at the end of the Chip Kelly era in Philly.
As we noted earlier this month, the Eagles appear poised to add players who can add that deep threat element to their offense once again. I think the sweet spot for those types of receivers in this draft will be around the fourth or fifth round.
Here are five wide receivers who could make sense for the Eagles in the 2016 NFL Draft:
Clemson has churned out some decent receivers the last few years:
| Player | Year | Round | Overall | 2015 stats |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 2013 | 1 | 27 | 111-1521-11 |
| Sammy Watkins | 2014 | 1 | 4 | 60-1047-9 |
| Martavis Bryant | 2014 | 4 | 118 | 50-765-6 |
Peake, like Martavis Bryant, has an impressive size-speed combination, but put up average numbers at Clemson, due in part to having to sit behind other talented receivers, and injuries. Peake lacks polish and has iffy hands, but his impressive measurables make him a high upside guy.
Draft projection: Third-Fourth round
Robinson was suspended four times during his career at Florida. As a result, his career numbers are unimpressive.
| Demarcus Robinson | Rec | Yards | YPC | TD |
| 2013 | 5 | 23 | 4.6 | 0 |
| 2014 | 53 | 810 | 15.3 | 7 |
| 2015 | 48 | 522 | 10.9 | 2 |
| TOTAL | 106 | 1355 | 12.8 | 9 |
27 receivers had more TD receptions last season than Robinson had in his entire collegiate career.
Still, Robinson does have talent. He is thought of as a speed guy, although he only ran a 4.59 40 at the Combine. You can see his athleticism here:
Also, never underestimate Howie's #GatorBias.
Draft projection: Fourth round
Mitchell ran the fifth best 40 time at the Combine among a group of 44 receivers. In his final season at Georgia, he caught 58 passes for 865 yards and 5 TDs. Mitchell was a player who impressed me at the week of Senior Bowl practices:
One receiver who has looked good early on is Georgia's Malcolm Mitchell. He got open deep a few times, but the quarterback didn't see him, and he made an impressive one-handed sideline grab on a wobbly throw, while keeping his feet in bounds.
Mitchell's health will be evaluated as much as his play on the field, as he tore an ACL in 2013. A highlight reel:
Draft projection: Fourth round
Speeeeeeeed. Listenbee was a track star at TCU, and averaged 19.9 yards per catch in 2015. In Indy at the NFL Combine, he ran a blistering 4.35 40. Here's Listenbee's highlight reel:
He's a one-trick pony, but when the one trick is making catches 20+ yards down the field, that's not the worst thing.
Draft projection: Fourth round
Thomas ran a 4.4 at his pro day, and averaged an extremely impressive 19.6 yards per catch on 71 catches. It's important to note the number of catches here. Oftentimes receivers might have very high yards per catch averages, but it's misleading because they have a low number of catches. Averaging nearly 20 yards per catch on 71 catches shows a higher level of consistency getting down the field and making big plays.
Thomas' 2015 numbers: 71 catches, 1391 yards, 14 TDs. Here's a highlight reel. Watch the quick slant at the 1:28 mark. Thomas makes the catch, splits the defenders, and goodbye.
This is one of my favorite mid-late round prospects in this draft.
Draft projection: Fourth-Fifth round
