Philadelphia Eagles: Using a First Round Pick On a Wide Receiver

By now it is quite evident that all Eagles’ fans want a star wide receiver to essentially complete the team.  And after the franchise's unsuccessful efforts to snag a veteran, Eagles’ fans look towards the draft. 

However, it would be very surprising if the Eagles used their first round pick on a wideout.  Not that there isn't talent. 

Devin Thomas from Michigan State is considered the top prospect.  But unless the Eagles trade Lito and move up from No.19, either with the New Orleans Saints (No. 10) or with the Baltimore Ravens (No.8)—both teams that need an impact corner back—there is a good chance that the Buffalo Bills (No.11) will take Thomas first. 

Other wide receivers include DeSean Jackson, who has good return skills that the Eagles need, and Malcolm Kelly, who is considered a good wideout.  However, his stock has recently fallen due to his poor performance at the NFL scouting combine. 

There is also James Hardy and Limas Sweed, who are both impact players.

The real problem is that wide receivers picked in the draft don't usually break out and become good wideouts until they have more NFL experience. Sometimes this takes up to three seasons afterwards. 

Basically, they usually don't create much of an impact in their first year.  And seeing as this might be McNabb's last year with the Eagles...

That's why the Eagles have gone after so many veterans.  If you believe rumors then you know Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald, Chad Johnson, Roy Williams, and recently Anquan Boldin have all been pursued by the Eagles.  

However, all factors set aside, the Eagles are now looking solely towards the draft.  While most consider the wide receiver depth in this draft to be deep, there is no reason to go crazy about any particular wideout. 

Some experts even say that there is a possibility that no wide receivers will be picked in the first round of this draft.

That may give the Eagles room to address one of their other needs: A corner back, a safety, an offensive tackle, a defensive end, or a return specialist.  Then they could try to draft a good wide receiver in the second round. 

Possibilities abound.

According to a recent poll conducted on the Eagles’ web site on the question of what the team will do with pick No. 19, a majority of people responded, "Surprise the heck out of me." 

The draft is just a few days away.  We'll just have to wait and see.