The Eagles have signed the second member of their 2020 draft class. Quez Watkins, the No. 200 overall selection, has put pen to paper, the team announced.
Philadelphia’s WR corps was in desperate need of a talent infusion this offseason, and while the club did not make any major moves to acquire a veteran — all due apologies to Marquise Goodwin — it did triple dip at receiver in the draft. Watkins joins first-rounder Jalen Reagor and fifth-rounder John Hightower as rookie wideouts looking to make an impact right away.
The three wide receiver draftees and Goodwin all have one thing in common: they can fly. Watkins posted the third-fastest time at the combine in Indianapolis, and some believed he could go as early as the fourth round. The Southern Miss product needs to expand his route tree and improve his physicality, but if head coach Doug Pederson can scheme some touches for him, his game-breaking athleticism will be tough to defend.
And though Watkins is a sixth-round pick, he may not be buried on the depth chart. Alshon Jeffery could start the season on the PUP list, DeSean Jackson‘s status with the team just became rather tenuous, and second-year pro JJ Arcega-Whiteside had a disappointing rookie campaign. So there is a scenario in which Watkins could be a big factor this year, especially if he gets a shot as a kick returner.
Here’s a rundown of the Eagles’ class, via PFR’s Tracker:
1-21: Jalen Reagor, WR (TCU)
2-53: Jalen Hurts, QB (Oklahoma)
3-103: Davion Taylor, LB (Colorado)
4-127: K’Von Wallace, S (Clemson)
4-145: Jack Driscoll, G (Auburn)
5-168: John Hightower, WR (Boise State)
6-196: Shaun Bradley, LB (Temple)
6-200: Quez Watkins, WR (Southern Miss): Signed
6-210: Prince Tega Wanogho, T (Auburn): Signed
7-233: Casey Toohill, DE (Stanford)
Related to Sammy?