Jalen Reagor was the talk of Eagles camp earlier this week, skying over Patriots cornerback Michael Jackson for an impressive one-handed grab during Tuesday’s joint session. Many saw that as an encouraging sign, particularly on the heels of a frustrating debut season for Reagor, who carries the unenviable distinction of being drafted exactly one pick before Vikings phenom Justin Jefferson (rookie-record 1,400 receiving yards in 2020).
Has Reagor, who was rarely healthy as a rookie, finally turned the corner, taking the next step in his development after an uneven 2020 campaign (31-396-1 on 54 targets)? Well if he has, it didn’t look like it Thursday night. The Eagles’ preseason “dress rehearsal” against the Patriots marked a significant setback for Reagor, who mustered just a single catch for five yards with one of his three targets resulting in an interception. The embattled 22-year-old was similarly unproductive on special teams, averaging a pedestrian 18.5 yards on two kick returns.
Reagor’s night could have been much different had Jalen Hurts been under center. But with Hurts battling a stomach bug, Philadelphia had to make do with aging vet Joe Flacco instead. Obviously, it didn’t end well for the shorthanded Eagles, who sputtered to an anemic 163 yards of total offense (3.3 yards per play) in the losing effort. Reagor may not have looked the part Thursday, but in his defense, one uninspired half is a pretty small sample size, not to mention he was playing with a backup quarterback against a Bill Belichick-coached defense.
The 2020 first-rounder still boasts all the athletic traits that made him a star at TCU (that talent was on full display at Tuesday’s practice), but like many young receivers, route-running and consistency are challenges he’ll have to overcome. Ready or not, Reagor seems all but certain to open the year as a starter, working alongside Heisman winner DeVonta Smith and fellow sophomore Quez Watkins in three-wide sets.
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