Rookie Receiver Can Take Eagles’ Offense To New Heights
As if the Philadelphia Eagles offense couldn’t get any better, a rookie wide receiver on the team can do just that. That rookie would be Johnny Wilson.
The Eagles drafted Wilson in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He earned second-team All-ACC in 2022 and third-team All-ACC in 2023. Wilson began his collegiate career in 2020 as a true freshman at Arizona State. He only appeared in three games, catching only six passes for 89 yards. Wilson played in only five games the next season, catching just 12 passes for 154 yards and one touchdown before entering the transfer portal.
Wilson transferred to Florida State before the 2022 season and was immediately an impact player. He had 43 receptions for 897 yards and five touchdowns in his first season with the team. He led the team in all three of those categories. Wilson’s numbers were slightly lower in 2023, but he played three fewer games. He had 41 receptions for 617 yards and two touchdowns in his final season at Florida State before declaring for the NFL Draft. Wilson was the Seminoles’ second-leading receiver in 2023 behind Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman.
Wilson is listed at 6 feet 6 inches, making him the second-tallest wide receiver in NFL history. Eagles legend Harold Carmichael is believed to be the tallest wide receiver ever to play the game, standing at 6 feet 8 inches. Wilson’s height will give him an advantage against defensive backs, especially regarding jump ball opportunities and in the end zone.
The Eagles already have what many believe should be one of the top offenses in the NFL. Jalen Hurts is one of the best play-making quarterbacks right now, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are arguably the best wide receiver duo in the league, Dallas Goedert is a do-it-all tight end, and Howie Roseman went out and signed one of the most dynamic running backs the NFL has ever seen in Saquon Barkley this offseason. The Eagles also have one of the best offensive lines, even with former center Jason Kelce retiring after last season.
The Rookie Receiver's Role In The Eagles' Offense
Wilson can take this offense to new heights. The former Seminole will be the tallest weapon on the field for Hurts to throw to. Brown is 6 feet 1 inch, Smith is 6 feet, and Goedert is 6 feet 5 inches. Wilson is essentially a tight end playing at the wide receiver position. If he can prove to be a reliable target for Hurts, then Nick Sirianni and Kellen Moore will have a mismatch to play with and create even more problems for opposing defenses to have to deal with.
The Eagles have reportedly been impressed with the rookie receiver so far in training camp. Wilson took reps with the first-team offense as the third wide receiver, making it seem like it’s his job to lose. The Eagles don’t have much behind Brown and Smith at the top of the depth chart.
Roseman signed veteran Parris Campbell to a one-year deal, and he only has 1,087 yards and five touchdowns in his five-year career. The Eagles also brought in the No. 9 pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, John Ross, seeking a comeback after announcing his retirement. He only has 957 yards and 11 touchdowns in five seasons. Britain Covey is more of a special teams player for the Eagles, who doesn’t get many offensive opportunities. The Eagles also drafted Ainias Smith out of Texas A&M in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, he seems to be a roster bubble player and a potential practice squad candidate.
Wilson only caught one pass for seven yards on three targets in his preseason debut against the Baltimore Ravens. Remember that he was playing with backup players and not the starting offense. It remains to be seen how everything will turn out, but the Eagles might have a steal on their hands with Wilson.
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