John Hightower could become the Eagles’ most dynamic playmaker from the slot

John Hightower could become the Eagles version of Keenan Allen

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The Philadelphia Eagles passed on LSU star wide receiver Justin Jefferson in the NFL Draft, choosing to use their first-round pick on TCU star Jalen Reagor. Reagor is more an outside receiver than a slot guy, so some in the media proposed the idea that Howie Roseman made a mistake with the pick.

The Eagles still have Greg Ward in the slot, but a talented late-round rookie could emerge to become Philadelphia’s version of Keenan Island, just more explosive.

Hightower is a stud and truly could be the steal of the NFL Draft but the Eagles and most notably passing game coordinator Press Taylor will need to find the perfect role to utilize his attributes.

Hightower is fast, posting an unofficial time of 4.44 at the combine, but could his true calling with the Eagles come in the slot as Carson Wentz’s ultimate weapon. The Eagles can trot out DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, Reagor, Quez Watkins, and JJ Arcega-Whiteside on the outside, but the athletic and crafty Hightower could transition to into hybrid version of Keenan Allen with a mashup of Chris Godwin in between.

Hightower has the height, weight, and speed to flourish in space and could become a star once he finds his way as a route runner and learns the NFL game. The learning portion could take some time, but utilizing Hightower out of the slot could allow him to become the ultimate weapon for the Eagles who’ll have a bevy of options to choose from.

During his senior season, Hightower had 51 receptions for 943 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns to go along with 16 carries for 154 rushing yards in 14 total games. His ability as a ball-carrier should allow Hightower to see the field early on in the 2020 season.

His ability to dictate the matchups in space could allow Hightower these types of highlight-reel plays like the one below without a distinct knowledge of the Eagles playbook.

Hightower struggled against press coverage at times while at Boise State, so featuring him in the slot early-on could allow his transition to the NFL to be a bit smoother.

Hightower on most slot cornerbacks could become a mismatch, allowing the Eagles and Carson Wentz to dictate coverage and force opposing defenses to move their cornerbacks, safeties, and most athletic defensive players around based on formation.

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