5 Under the Radar WR the Eagles Could Target in the Draft

Most of the talk about the Eagles this offseason has been centered around what they will do with their two first-round picks in the NFL Draft later this month.

One big topic of conversation has been, should Eagles take a wide receiver for the third straight season in the first-round?

The prevailing thought that this draft class is solid, but doesn't have that Ja'Marr Chase, clear-cut No. 1 wide out. So could the Eagles return with just DeVonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins and free-agent addition Zach Paschal?

Doubtful, but that doesn't mean they have to take a wide out with picks 15 or 18, there are plenty of other interesting options in either Round 2 or 3.

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The team has five picks in the first three rounds of the draft, and could use their two first-round picks to solidify other positions of need on the roster.

Mock drafts have the Eagles improving strengthening their defense by adding one of the cornerbacks, taking a chance on one of the edge rushers or going wide receiver.

Guys like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Drake London, Treylon Burks and Jameson Williams are the most likely options in Round 1, but there are other opinions, trading back or taking a wide receiver in Round 2 or 3.

Here are five under the radar wide receivers that could interest the Eagles:

1. George Pickens | Georgia

Pickens is starting to shoot up draft boards, and could slide up ahead of the Eagles second-round pick, but if he is there at No. 51, the team should grab him. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, he is a bigger wide receiver, who has very good speed, can run and make plays and is a solid route runner.

He missed most of the the 2021 season as he recovered from a torn ACL and caught 36 passes for 513 yards and a team-high six TD's as a sophomore in 2020.

Overall, he totaled 90 receptions for 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns.

2. John Metchie | Alabama

Metchie is another wide receiver that tore his ACL late in the season, but still had a solid season at Alabama, with 96 receptions for 1,142 yards with 8 touchdowns the past two seasons.

The 6-foot, 195 pound receiver, averaged 16.7 yards per reception in 2020, and would be a very nice playmaker for the Eagles offense. He could be available when the Eagles are on the board with pick No. 83.

3. Christian Watson | North Dakota State

He could be the most interesting wide receiver in the draft with incredible size (6'4"/208), speed and explosion. He opened plenty of eyes at the combine posting a 4.36 40 time. The North Dakota State alum could be a field stretcher and perfect complement to DeVonta Smith, with the biggest questions being, will he be ready to contribute right away.

Watson caught 43 passes for 800 yards and seven touchdowns this season for the Bison, adding 15 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown.

"He has the size and the speed, what is he missing?" asked Andre DiCcecco on Football at Four. He is a very unrefined route runner. He has improvements, but how quickly can he acclimate himself to the pro level."

Another issue with him is, he might be gone when the Eagles are on the board in Round 2.

4. Jahan Dotson | Penn State

Dotson, who is more of a slot guy, had a tremendous season, catching 91 passes for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns at Penn State.

He finished his Penn State career with 183 receptions, 2,757 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns.

"He stole the show at Penn State's Pro Day. His ball tracking really stood out, very technically sound route runner. He is a guy who is pro ready. He can be an outside guy, but more often than not, he would work in the slot."

Dotson (5'11/184) posted a 4.43 40-time at the combine and could be taken at the back end of the first-round.

5. Jalen Tolbert | South Alabama

If Tolbert went to a bigger school, he likely would be a higher pick, with the size and speed to produce at the next level. Tolbert hauled in an impressive 82 passes for 1,474 yards and eight touchdowns.

"He checked off all the boxes at the Senior Bowl," DiCecco said. "I think he can add weight and play strength and help out between the hashes, help in the red zone."

Tolbert is a guy that could be of interest in the third-round.