NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles could have eyes set on duo of wide receivers

The Philadelphia Eagles are heading into the 2022 NFL Draft with a clear-cut need for wide receivers, and with three first-round selections this year, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah expects them to select a wideout, particularly either USC Trojans wide receiver Drake London or Ohio State product Garrett Wilson.

The Eagles have a history of selecting first-round wide receivers in recent years, but even with these highly-touted receivers coming into Philadelphia, the Eagles have struggled to produce in the passing game. Early indications say they appeared to have taken a stud in one of those drafts, with Alabama product DeVonta Smith putting together a nice rookie year, but Jalen Reagor tells a much different story, as the TCU product has struggled to produce and live up to expectations. With that, Jeremiah says London or Wilson may be a good fit with the Eagles.

“I would love Garrett Wilson (of Ohio State) in there. I think he’s the best receiver in the draft, in my opinion. He can do everything. He is a complete wide receiver,” Jeremiah said. “From just a pure size, skill set standpoint, you’d say Drake London (of USC) would be the power forward they don’t necessarily have there opposite of DeVonta. I think he’s exceptional.”

Despite USC’s abysmal 4-8 record in 2021, London was a shining bright spot on the Trojans’ roster. He played in just eight games after suffering a late-season injury, but despite missing the season’s final four games, London still managed to earn first-team All-American honors from Pro Football Focus, second-team All-American honors from Walter Camp and the FWAA and third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press. Now, as the 6-foot-5, 210-pound wide receiver enters the 2022 NFL Draft, he figures to be one of the top available wideouts.

London had an excellent final season at USC, even despite his injury forcing him to miss time, as he reeled in 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. He eclipsed the 10-reception mark in five of his eight appearances this season, and after a 137-yard performance in Week 1, London amassed a tremendous five-game streak starting Week 3 in which he had no less than 130 receiving yards. His season-best performance, at Notre Dame, resulted in a 15-catch, 171-yard performance, and both London and Wilson project as first-round NFL Draft selections.

Wilson, who measures in a bit smaller at 6-foot, 188 pounds, also eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in his last season with Ohio State. A native of Austin, TX, Wilson reeled in 70 catches for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns, giving him an eye-opening average of 15.1 yards per reception. In his three years with Ohio State, Wilson showed his abilities to make a big play on any given down, as he never once dipped below a season average of 14 yards per reception, while catching 143 passes in three seasons.