No.5: Rueben Randle
Every time I saw the Giants play this past season it seemed like Randle was just making big catch after big catch, scoring touchdown after touchdown, and giving smaller corners fits. He may not be the best route runner in the world, but he’s a big-play pass catcher on the rise. I was shocked that the Giants let him go considering his 57 receptions for 8 touchdowns last year. Your kidding yourself if you think Victor Cruz is a No. 1 or 2 option at this stage in his career. Rueben Randle is at the least a strong no. 2 option who is (barring an injury) going to continue to add to his 20 career touchdowns, and nearly 2700 yards. He could be even better this year. What a bargain for the Eagles who went from having one talented receiver to having 2. Why on earth would the Giants let him walk? It doesn’t make sense to me. Look for Rueben ( who is in a contract season!) To finally be talked about in a very good way. I have a third-round grade on him.
No.4: Golden Tate
Why is Golden Tate rarely talked about? I understand that while Megatron is in town it’s hard to make a name for yourself as a celebrity, but as a football player, he’s been a great player for the Lions. He’s not a touchdown maker. That being said he gets open, nearly has two thousand yard receiving seasons, (will have his second thousand yard season this year in my opinion), and had 90 catches last year. Yes, 90 catches! The point is, he gets open, makes acrobatic catches, makes big plays, and catches most contested throws from a slightly above average Quarterback. With Megatron gone, his numbers will be insane this season. Forget Marvin Jones. I’m not impressed with his body of work as of yet. Look for Tate to be targeted very often this upcoming season. In some leagues you can get him in round 5, however, I would not let him slip past round 2.
No.3: Jordan Matthews
Despite acrobatic touchdowns, making huge plays, and scoring 16 touchdowns in 2 seasons with very average quarterback play, Matthews is only being called a very talented No.2 option. I’m okay if that’s true. With how often new head coach Doug Pederson is going to have his quarterbacks throw, (Ideally one very solid quarterback for the Eagles) Matthews is going to catch 5 to 10 passes a game, and should have his first thousand yard season. I think he’s much more than that. While the Eagles had him playing in the slot, and the outside during spring practices, I grow tired of beat writers who are actually dumb enough to think he will stay in the slot this early before the season. My bold prediction is that he and Rueben Randall will share the spotlight on a suddenly talented Eagles receiving corps, ( Courtesy of the New York Giants) and that Matthews will not only continue to add to his already very impressive career but will also catch at least 10 touchdown passes this season. If my prediction is wrong I still wouldn’t let Matthews get past the first round this year. I’m going off a hunch with this one. Think about catches, and yards. If nothing else he’s going to stockpile those this year. He reminds me of a young Vincent Jackson. Watch his game against Dallas in OT last year. Walk off touchdown, with excellent speed for the win. Expect much more of that this year.
No. 2: Darren Sproles
Whatever team he’s playing for Darren Sproles is going to put up stats. Very impressive stats. I could see him being traded to a team like say The Saints who miss him, or the Browns because the browns have limited talent at every position. Maybe even the Titans make a bid. The Eagles seem high on rookie Wendell Smallwood who is essentially the same type of back. It is good to have more than one, so maybe he stays put. Though he’s technically a running back, he has made his living in the passing game. I think the biggest understatement is calling him fast. He also obviously adds value as a punt and kickoff returner capable of bringing 5 to the house every year. I said capable. He did it twice last year. He has nearly twice the amount of yards as a receiver in his career than he does as a running back with 4,156 receiving yards. He should get much more playing time this season no matter who he’s playing for. 5th round Grade.
No. 1: Doug Baldwin.
This one’s easy. He wasn’t regarded as a top pass catcher in the NFL for his first two seasons. Boy did he step up his game. In his third NFL season, he proved he’s a top ten wideout, by catching 73 passes for 5 touchdowns. The next season 66 grabs for 825 yards, and 3 scores. This past season was obviously his best as he caught 104 passes for over a thousand yards and 14 touchdowns. He’s still young, yet already has 29 career touchdowns, and he continues to play with a chip on his shoulder due to the simple fact that that he’s still not given the credit that he deserves. I would not let him slip past the first round. You’ll be sorry if you do. Especially now that The Seahawks are evolving into a more even offense. Russell Wilson loves throwing the ball to Doug Baldwin. You can see the trust he has in his top playmaker in every game.
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