The Eagles drafted Boise State wide receiver John Hightower on Saturday with their fifth-round pick (168th overall), the second receiver they have drafted after taking Jalen Reagor in the first-round on Thursday.
Hightower, 6-foot-2, 172 pounds, finished his college career at Boise State with 82 catches for 1,447 yards and 14 touchdowns in two seasons, averaging 17.6 yards-per-catch.
Hightower is great after the catch and improved last season, averaging 6.7 yards of YAC last season on 51 receptions. His time as a former track star shows when he gets the ball in his hands, and he projects as being extremely dangerous with the ball in space. It will be interesting to see how Doug Pederson uses him, especially on screen-plays.
In addition too adding Hightower and Reagor the Eagles have also reportedly traded for receiver Marquise Goodwin in a deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
Here are some scouting reports on Hightower:
Via NFL.com: Tall, spindly deep threat with a good feel for speed variance to bolster effectiveness of separation speed. While Hightower can get down the field, he needs to be led to water and in the clear, as his ball tracking and 50/50 attack skills leave much to be desired. The lack of size and strength could be a continuing issue against press and with contested catches. His run-after-catch and kick-return ability are nice, but may not be enough to balance out the aforementioned concerns.
Via The Draft Network: PROS: Play speed is absolutely legit. He can take the top off the defense and win foot races in pursuit. Explosive accelerator and his big play potential is exciting. Knows how to control his speed and use it to blow by defenders. Flashes the ability to track the football and make some acrobatic grabs. Dynamic potential on jet sweeps, touches in space and in the return game. Sudden, twitchy and elusive. Has the juice needed to manipulate corners and put stress on them to stay in-phase. CONS: Has concerning lapses with his ball skills and he struggles to catch the ball outside his frame. Not a consistent finisher. Thin frame and he clearly lacks play strength. Has to develop more technique for clearly press coverage and playing through contact in general. Production was modest in college.
Career Highlights, via Eagles:
2019 HIGHLIGHTS (SENIOR AT BOISE STATE)
- Named to the All-Mountain West second-team as both a wide receiver and kick returner
- Appeared in all 14 games (13 starts) and led the team in receiving yards (943) and TD receptions (eight), while finishing second in catches (51)
- Averaged 24.6 yards as a kick returner, while adding one return TD
2018 HIGHLIGHTS (JUNIOR AT BOISE STATE)
- Transferred from Hinds Community College
- Saw action in 10 games (four starts), while tying for second on the team with eight total TDs (six receiving, two rushing) and third in all-purpose yards (870)
- Hauled in 504 receiving yards and six TDs (third on team), while leading Boise State in yards per catch (16.3)
2017 HIGHLIGHTS (SOPHOMORE AT HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE)
- Totaled 13 receptions for 236 receiving yards and four TDs
2016 HIGHLIGHTS (FRESHMAN AT HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE)
- Recorded 18 receptions for 273 receiving yards and three TDs
HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
- Competed on both sides of the ball at Riverdale Baptist HS (Upper Marlboro, MD)
PERSONAL
- Hobbies include dirt biking and owned his first bike at the age of four
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