Marquise Goodwin doing the Eagles a favor?

Marquise Goodwin was the only veteran addition to a receiver group for the Eagles this offseason after a 2019 season that saw the depth at wide receiver decimated by injuries. So how is it that Goodwin opting out of 2020 is a good thing for the Eagles? 

Well that's quite simply because the team drafted 3 rookies this offseason. The complications started when their entire mini camp, ota, and training camp schedule simply vanished. These rookies were going to be stuck behind veterans DeSean Jackson, Marquise Goodwin, and JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Greg Ward, as well as Alshon Jeffery when he returns from injury. Now the Eagles will be all but forced to rely on the rookies for depth early in the season. With their top three veterans now being DeSean Jackson, Greg Ward, and JJAW, with Jeffery opting out there is a very real possibility we see two rookies in the top 3 wide receivers in terms of target share this season. 

We all knew Jalen Reagor was likely to be the third option in this offense after being a 1st round pick but now with the dust settling he has a very real chance at being the number 1 targeted receiver this year. With DeSean Jackson coming back from injury, JJAW looking overwhelmed last year, and Greg Ward likely a better third option than anything I see a path for this guy to catch 50 passes this year for 600-700 yards, 4-5 tds, as well as 5-7 carries for 30-40 yards and 1 td. If not higher depending on how quickly he grasps the offense. 

John Hightower is likely the most affected of these three by Goodwin's departure. Hightower is essentially a taller, younger version of Goodwin. He is a vertical threat known for his speed. He ran a 4.42 40 yard dash but several experts were quick to point out Hightower had added 15 lbs to his frame this offseason in an effort to fight one of his weaknesses on the field, his strength at the catch point. He was aiming to add a level of physicality to his game he has never had before. I expect him to see around 20 catches this year mostly in the back half of the season when he inevitability starts taking snaps from Ward, and others. 

Quez Watkins is more of a wild card who I believe will make the roster but could be a late bloomer. He is regarded as very raw and likely will be beat out by Hightower, and Ward, leading to limited targets early and even less targets later in the year after Jeffery returns. He may however be able to make a mark on special teams in the punt return and kick return game.