Read any Eagles practice report, from any given day, from any source, and it’s a near-guarantee you’ll find praise heaped upon rookie WR Jalen Reagor.
Reagor already dripped in 2020 fantasy intrigue given Philadelphia’s talent-starved WRs room.
But now that he’s not only running with the “ones,” but…
- Dominating top corners like Darius Slay
- Being moved all over
- Catching passes “in bulk,” at every layer
Reagor is rapidly approaching must-draft territory, especially if his WR50, 140ish OVR price tag remains unchanged. He could emerge as the clear No.1 WR for the talented Carson Wentz, on an offense that’s primed to surge in 2020.
Talent: Reagor is the Complete Package
At 5’11 and under 200 lbs, Reagor may lack the “ideal prototypical” build.
Still, he’s exceptionally shifty and explosive in and out of his breaks, whether with the ball or in his routes. He’s a homerun threat, both before and after the catch, and can beat defenses at every level, including the catch point; Reagor can really explode up vertically and attack the ball in contested situations. He led all 2020 first-round receivers in contested catches.
Many questioned the Eagles selection of Reagor above LSU’s Justin Jefferson, who was considered more complete and “pro-ready.”
Yet, on draft night, HC Doug Pedeson and GM Howie Roseman routinely returned to Reagor’s “explosiveness and speed,” Reagor’s ability to separate, and his versatility, as rare.
On our Fantasy Fullback Dive podcast, The Draft Network’s Trevor Sikkema praised the pick, raving: “You can get the ball to him on bubble screens, on quick slants, mesh routes over the middle, and just watch him work, because he’s just so fast and dynamic, and can also stretch the field.”
Thus far, all of Reagor’s strengths have been on full display in early Eagles camp.
On August 24th, Reagor “stood out again,” first by burning top CB Darius Slay for a 50+ yard TD. He routinely made contested grabs “with defensive backs draped all over him,” flashing rare strength and focus while “playing bigger than his size.”
He’s not only providing big “wow” plays, though. Rather, Reagor is “making catches in bulk, mostly on short throws…he’s impressive as a receiver who can get yards after the catch. Reagor is rocked up, and has power to break tackles, in addition to being a burner.” These YAC opportunities include slants and designed screens.
Reagor’s also moving all over, lining up outside in two-WR sets before kicking inside to the slot during three-WR packages. He’s learned all of the Z, X, and slot positions.
In short: Reagor’s playing like a true Alpha WR1. Which is convenient, considering…
Usage: Tons of Available Volume From a Top-10 QB
Last season, not a single Eagles WR topped 500 yards. The unit’s 6.5 YPA was dead-last in the NFL, while Philadelphia’s 42% WR target share was third lowest. A creature named Greg Ward became their dominant No.1 threat come year’s end.
Simply put: no one needed an injection of WR talent quite like the Eagles, especially with Alshon Jeffery destined for the PUP to begin 2020.
Granted, DeSean Jackson returns, and “the buzz has been that he’s as fast as ever following core muscle surgery last season.” He’s also 33, missed all but one game last year, and hasn’t played a full season since 2013.
The opportunities should be plentiful for Reagor, especially if his early camp usage carries over onto the regular field of play.
Beyond sheer available volume, Reagor should also benefit from playing alongside Carson Wentz.
The last time Wentz had a competent vertical threat (Torrey Smith, lol), he was on pace to win the NFL MVP and huck over 40 TDs. Reagor and DJax should keep this offense routinely humming, generating plenty of scoring chances.
Wentz has the arm strength and touch to allow Reagor to thrive both downfield and in the short game.
Surrounding Talent and Volume boxes? Checked.
Summary: Reagor a No-Brainer Fantasy Pick at Current Price
Reagor is a do-it-all WR who’s landed in the perfect situation to, well, do-it-all.
The Eagles presented among the top landing spots for potential volume and surrounding talent. Reagor’s already embedded himself with the starters, regardless of the personnel package, and has become one of Wentz’s go-to guys. He’s thriving deep, on screens, and everywhere in-between.
Reagor will open this entire offense up, while thriving statistically in the process. He now ranks He’s within Top-100 Fantasy Football Rankings (#93 overall) — nearly 50 spots ahead of his ECR / ADP on FantasyPros. Ensure Reagor’s on your Round 10+ fantasy radar.
