Back at the NFL Combine, an event that feels like it happened roughly five years ago, I wrote an article about how KJ Hamler could be the Eagles' best option at receiver in the NFL Draft.
Since then, that possibility has felt more-and-more like the direction the Eagles are heading.
According to an NFL Network report, Hamler recently had a virtual meeting with the Eagles, which is really the most he is allowed to do considering that top-30 visits won't be taking place this year. In addition to his virtual sit down with the team, Hamler also met with the Eagles at the NFL Combine.
Of course, given the new rules surrounding the pre-NFL Draft process, teams will be meeting virtually with lots of prospects plenty of times. It does not carry the same weight as a top-30 visit would.
Still, a look at how the NFL Draft could play out, combined with the team's lack of moves at receivers, could point to Hamler being their guy.
First, the Eagles lack of moves in free agency points to a decision to target receivers in the NFL Draft. That doesn't mean they have to take one at No. 21, but it does mean they plan on taking one with one of their first two picks. Considering Howie Roseman speaks often about how things change quickly on draft night, the Eagles either have a guy at No. 21 they know will be there, and have planned accordingly, or a guy at No. 53 they are confident will be available when they go on the clock.
Hamler checks off both those boxes, as he will definitely be available at No. 21, and could also be available — or within striking distance — at No. 53.
He also, more importantly, fits exactly what the Eagles are looking for at receiver.
More than anything the Eagles have a major need for speed on offense. In 2020 they will be counting on DeSean Jackson to give them that speed, but they still need a young, speed receiver to develop for the future. Hamler looked the part in 2019, as he caught 56 passes for 904 yards and eight touchdowns, an average of 16.1 yards-per-catch. Hamler averaged 16.9 yards-per-catch in his two-year career at Penn State on 98 total catches.
In fact, there is an argument to be made Hamler is the fastest receiver in the draft.
Per NFL.com:
Hamler's 40 time when he arrived at EXOS to begin training was an electronically timed 4.36. As the staff continued to track Hamler's progress both in the 0-to-20-yard and 20-to-40-yard portion of his runs, they projected he would run in the mid-4.2s at the combine, which would've put him in the running for the fastest time in Indy this year. (Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs III took the honor with a 4.27.)
What makes Hamler special outside of just his speed, however, is his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands.
Here is how the Draft Network describes Hamler after the catch:
"Electric. This might be the best thrill ride in the 2020 draft. His open field vision is top shelf and once he's broken to daylight he's rarely roped back in. He's got dynamic quickness and lightning fast feet, can stop on a dime, gracefully leap over trash at his feet and quickly get himself back up to top speed."
The Eagles have certainly seen plenty of Hamler, as in addition to scouting him, the front office scouted Miles Sanders — Hamler's best friend — a ton over the last two seasons.
Hamler won't require trading up, like the top-three receivers (Lamb, Ruggs, Jeudy) will. He is a guy the Eagles can plan on being there at No. 21, or a guy they could trade up for in the second-round if an unexpected player falls to them in the first round. His game also fits in perfectly with J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, giving the Eagles one young speed receiver on one side and a physical, tall receiver on the other for Carson Wentz to grow with.
Add everything up, and as the draft gets closer, Hamler seems like the guy for the Eagles.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
