Philadelphia Eagles Need Bigger Contribution from Rookie WR Nelson Agholor

Comparing Philadelphia Eagles rookie Nelson Agholor to Pro Bowl wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was probably a little unfair. Agholor's measurables looking almost identical to Maclin's when the two were drafted didn't mean the first-year pro was going to immediately fill his role in the offense.

But not only has Agholor failed to take the place of Maclin for the Eagles, he's been essentially nonexistent up to this point in the season. The first-round draft pick has just eight catches for 105 yards with a fumble in 2015, which is far from the pace anticipated for a supposed Rookie of the Year candidate.

Regardless of what Agholor has accomplished thus far, one thing is for certain: The Eagles will need the 20th overall selection to produce if a playoff run is to become a reality.

YR	PLAYER	REC	YDS	TD
2013	D. Jackson	82	1,332	9
2014	J. Maclin	85	1,318	10
2015	J. Matthews	39	398	1

Agholor doesn't necessarily need to put up Maclin or DeSean Jackson numbers. The feature receiver in Chip Kelly's offense eclipsed 80 receptions, 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns in each of the head coach's first two seasons in Philadelphia. That simply isn't going to happen this year.

With that said, the Eagles do need an option in the passing attack other than Jordan Matthews.

Not only does the second-year slot receiver seem limited without a consistent deep threat to scare defenses, but quarterback Sam Bradford rightfully doesn't appear to have faith that he has weapons who can win battles on the outside.

Josh Huff, Riley Cooper and Miles Austin have combined for 35 catches, 531 yards and four touchdowns. That would be a solid seven games for one player. The fact that it takes three receivers to post those totals is a lot less to be enthusiastic about.

Agholor's emergence would help. For starters, it would diminish the reliance on aging veterans Cooper and Austin, and take pressure off Huff, the second-year wideout who struggles with concentration at times.

Michael Perez/Associated Press

Not only that, the offense as a whole would likely get into a better rhythm with a legitimate threat on the outside. Right now, so much of the passing attack is geared toward the middle of the field, which partly explains why there's so little room for Matthews to work in.

Matthews has already hauled in 39 passes in 2015, but for only 398 yards—a meager average of 10.2 yards per catch. If it feels like he has a lot of drops, that might be because so many of his completions are contested.

Agholor has the skill and athleticism to open things up for the rest of the offense. According to NFL.com, the 22-year-old measured in at 6'0", 198 pounds with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash. Those measurables are almost identical to Maclin's coming out of college. The same Maclin who had seven receptions of 40-plus yards in 2014—third in the NFL.

Agholor demonstrated his skill in college as well, particularly in his final season at USC. As a junior, he finished in the top 10 in the nation in receptions (104), receiving yards (1,313) and touchdown catches (12).

There's no question Agholor has the ability to take a top off the defense, as teammate Byron Maxwell learned in training camp this summer. The high-priced free-agent cornerback said, "If he gets a step on you, it's over."

YR	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
2012	18	341	18.9	2
2013	56	918	16.4	6
2014	104	1,313	12.6	12

Opponents have already gained a healthy respect for Agholor as well. The rookie was discussing his effort against Darrelle Revis against the New York Jets in Week 3 and recounted an exchange he had with the All-Pro corner postgame.

"I felt like I competed for four quarters, and at the end of the game, he looked at me and said, 'Keep working, you're going to be fine,' and I was happy about that."

Agholor finished with zero receptions against the Jets, although the receiver wasn't entirely to blame. He was open on more than one occasion, but Bradford failed to deliver an accurate pass.

In fact, Agholor's lack of production is disappointing, but it certainly isn't for lack of work ethic. Ask Matthews, one of the most determined players in the Eagles locker room, and he'll vouch for the rookie.

"He's the type of dude, I don't have to go to him and say anything. He's positive, he's coming in, he's working, I love him to death and I know he's going to be able to do his thing as the season progresses."

The question is whether Agholor can step into a bigger role this season. The Eagles don't necessarily need him to be Maclin, who departed as a free agent this offseason. However, they could use something more from their first-round pick, considering how unreliable Huff, Cooper and Austin are.

Agholor is set to return this week from an ankle injury that caused him to miss the previous two games. It's time to start building a rapport with Bradford and get the offense moving.

Otherwise, the the Eagles can likely forget about the postseason.

All quotes were obtained by the author.