Jalen Reagor was one of the biggest names in college football over the past few years but he’ll likely find playing time and targets hard to come by early on during his rookie season.
Recently, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson confirmed to NJ.com that Reagor would likely start his rookie season out backing up and learning from DeSean Jackson at the Z position, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have an impact early.
Reagor could have an impact from the slot, in the screen game and on special teams. With Jackson returning and Alshon Jeffery right behind him, Reagor is unlikely to have the type of production that matches his rookie counterparts around the league.
In a recent projection of potential rookie production by Cynthia Frelund of NFL.com, Reagor finished last among in a listing that included his peers.
1) CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
2) Henry Ruggs III, Las Vegas Raiders
3) Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts
4) Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
5) Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
6) Denzel Mims, New York Jets
7) Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
8) Laviska Shenault Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
9) Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
10) Jalen Reagor, Philadelphia Eagles
Reagor is most dangerous as a big-play guy and the former TCU star is one of only two FBS players with at least four deep receiving touchdowns in each of the last three seasons.
Reagor doesn’t play much from the slot, so it’ll be on Press Taylor and Doug Pederson to figure out how to utilize Jackson and the rookie from TCU at the same time. The best option would be utilizing Reagor in the slot, opposite Jackson, and anywhere that Press Taylor can get the shifty rookie in space via mismatches.
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