The NFL draft is an exciting time for football fans as they eagerly anticipate which players their favorite teams will select to improve their rosters. However, not every draft pick turns out to be a success, and the Philadelphia Eagles are currently facing criticism for their first round pick in 2020.
In a recent article on Bleacher Report, writer Matt Holder labeled former Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor as the “Worst First Round Pick” in the last five years. The criticism stems from Reagor’s underwhelming performance during his rookie season, where he recorded just 396 receiving yards and one touchdown in 11 games.
Holder’s statement has caused quite a stir among Eagles fans and the NFL community, with many questioning the validity of his claim. However, it is worth examining the reasons behind Holder’s bold statement and whether it holds any truth.
Firstly, it is important to note that Holder’s opinion is based solely on Reagor’s performance during his rookie season. While it is true that Reagor did not have a standout season, it is also worth considering the circumstances surrounding it. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affected the entire league, including rookies who did not have the luxury of a regular training camp and preseason to adjust to the NFL’s speed and physicality. Additionally, Reagor suffered a thumb injury that sidelined him for five games, further hindering his development.
Furthermore, labeling Reagor as the “Worst First Round Pick” in the last five years is a bold statement considering the Eagles’ draft history. Philadelphia has made some questionable first-round picks in recent years, such as Danny Watkins in 2011 and Marcus Smith in 2014. Both players were drafted in the first round but failed to make a significant impact on the field. In contrast, Reagor showed glimpses of his potential and could still develop into a valuable asset for the Eagles.
It is also worth noting that Reagor was not the only wide receiver struggling during his rookie season. Top receivers like Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb also had their share of struggles, despite being drafted ahead of Reagor. This further highlights the challenges rookies faced in the unusual 2020 season and puts Reagor’s performance into perspective.
Moreover, it is unfair to label Reagor as the “Worst First Round Pick” when there have been other underperforming players in the league. For example, the Chicago Bears’ decision to trade up and select quarterback Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick in 2017 has been heavily criticized. Trubisky has failed to live up to expectations and is now a backup for the Buffalo Bills. It is hard to argue that Reagor’s performance is worse than Trubisky’s, who was selected much higher in the draft.
In conclusion, while Holder’s statement may have some truth to it, it is premature to label Reagor as the “Worst First Round Pick” in the last five years. There are many factors to consider, including the unusual circumstances of the 2020 season and the Eagles’ draft history. It is also important to give Reagor time to develop and prove his worth before making such bold statements. As the old saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day,” and the same can be said for a rookie’s performance in the NFL. Let us give Reagor the benefit of the doubt and see how he performs in the upcoming season.