Stepping Up

July 28, 2006 | By Jason Sapp | Discuss

The biggest question of the Eagles’ training camp isn’t Donovan McNabb’s health or whether Correll Buckhalter will ever play during the regular season, but who will fill in the shoes of you-know-who.

The Wide Receiver position has long been the weak spot of the Eagles’ offense. From the days of Torrance Small and Charles Johnson to the James Thrash-Todd Pinkston duo, the Eagles have never been able to reproduce the offensive output given by players like Mike Quick and Harold Carmichael.

However, this year’s crop has some promise to it. While the Birds will be asking a lot from younger players, it is a golden opportunity for one of them to excel in Andy Reid’s offense and maybe establish himself as a top-tier threat in the NFC East. Here are the contenders who have a shot at breaking out this season. These receivers are the most likely to challenge for a spot on the roster:

REGGIE BROWN – Our prize second round pick, who was described by Mel Kiper as a “Steal” when we drafted him, and judging from last year, there is a chance that prediction may come true. Brown is clearly the Eagles’ #1, providing good hands and great route running to help make a name for himself. Brown will be called upon early and often to make the crucial plays for the Eagles. Fantasy Football players be wary, as the Eagles are never known for consistent numbers. Just thought I would pass that along…

GREG LEWIS – The player who would never start for any other team in the league but the Eagles. Lewis is a great #3 receiver to have, starter by default most of last season due to Pinkston’s injury. Lewis still provides the deep threat, but just doesn’t have the size or intimidation factor that calls for safety coverage. Greg will provide those quick slant passes or possibly draw the linebacker off, but only starts when needed. If one of the newer receivers can make enough of an impact, Lewis could always slide down the chart.

TODD PINKSTON – The senior member of the group (when did you ever think you’d say that?), Pinkston has his moments, dating back to 2004 when he averaged 18.8 yards per catch. Last season was wiped out and Pinkston will have to reestablish himself to prove he can still go deep. Unless injuries knock him out again, he will be an Eagle in 2006, and could be the next Chad Lewis; the kind of player who makes the necessary catch and sticks around for a long time, despite the setbacks.

JABAR GAFFNEY – A very talented receiver who comes over from Houston in a free agent deal and could easily contend for a starting role. Gaffney will provide immediate relief for Donovan and can also go for the deep ball. Jabar is a possession receiver, one of David Carr’s constants during the tumultuous 2005 season. He also has great speed and is often used on reversals. I was personally excited to see Gaffney sign, not only because he was on my fantasy team for two seasons, but also because he is an exceptional athlete. The Eagles need more players like this in order to get past the suspect secondary of New York and Dallas.

JASON AVANT – An interesting fourth round pick, Avant had a solid career at Michigan, but then again, what receiver hasn’t? There is always the threat of the next Desmond Howard or David Terrell with a Wolverine receiver, but Avant, much like his predecessor Braylon Edwards, is a great route runner and has excellent hands. Avant was named Team MVP after a 1000-yard season and continued the strong Michigan tradition of a standout receiver in the Big 10. Winning two Biletnikoff awards doesn’t hurt either.

HANK BASKETT – What seemed like a trade to Minnesota for a rather obscure player may provide a benefit for the Eagles. With Billy Mc-No-Hands out of the nest, there is a chance for a player like Baskett, who was evenly swapped for McMullen, to make a name for himself and fill in that #5 spot that the Eagles have struggled to search for. Baskett was New Mexico's leading receiver for two seasons, hauling in 1,000+ yards and 9 scores. With the receiver position as open as it is, Baskett could sneak onto the roster, but he must impress in the preseason if he wants to turn any heads. At the worst, he will most likely make the practice squad, but Hank has a good a chance as anyone to make the team.

DARNERIEN MCCANTS – Our on-again, off-again fifth receiver who showed promise in Washington, but has yet to establish himself in Philly. McCants is a good red zone target, but for some reason, has problems making the midfield catches that get you noticed. He will have a lot of pressure from younger players in the backup role, so Darnerien must contribute this season, if he wants to avoid being cut. Again.

These are the bubble players, those who need to have a strong preseason to have a chance at making it in the NFL:

BILL SAMPY – Rookie from Louisiana-Lafayette of the Sun Belt League. Standout player in Division I-A’s worst conference.

DERRICK FENNER – Rookie from Maryland, acquired off waivers from the Redskins.

CARL FORD – First year player from Toledo who spent time with Chicago and Green Bay, mostly on the practice squad.

MICHAEL GASPERSON – Recommended to Reid by John Harbaugh’s brother, who is the head coach at San Diego University; spent time on the practice squad last year.

JUSTIN JENKINS – Second year player who succumbed to injuries his first two seasons and never had that chance to be the breakout threat Mel Kiper thought he would be.

J.J. OUTLAW – The rookie from Villanova who has a shot, but will most likely be a practice squader.

The Wide Receiver position is, well, wide open for anyone to take over. Whether it’s a seasoned veteran or a promising rookie, all Eagles fans will appreciate whomever steps up, just so long as they CATCH THE BALL!