We continue our positional breakdowns leading up to the 2016 NFL draft with a look at the wide receivers. Instead of a traditional top 5, we'll highlight players at these positions who fit the Eagles and have a chance to be available when the team picks.
At No. 8
Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss, 6-2/221
No, the Eagles should not draft Treadwell this high, but he is still the best receiver in this draft. He didn't test very well, but shows elite ability on the field. It's highly unlikely that a receiver will be taken in the top 10.
Outlook: The Eagles won't take Treadwell here and I don't see them trading back. The middle rounds are much more likely.
In the middle
Leonte Carroo, Rutgers, 6-0/211
Carroo is a complicated prospect. There are some injury and off-the-field concerns. He did OK during his pro day, but teams didn't get a full look at him at the combine or the Senior Bowl because of injuries. He was extremely productive at Rutgers. The game that intrigues me the most with Carroo is when he torched Michigan State (7 catches, 134 yards, 3 TDs), and the Scarlet Knights (somehow) almost upset the Spartans. I had the Eagles taking him in my first seven-round mock.
Charone Peake, Clemson, 6-2/209
Peake is an interesting case. He tore his ACL back in 2013 and had to sit and wait his turn behind receivers like Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins and Martavis Bryant. He has great size, great hands, tremendous ball skills and had a productive season in 2015. He also tested well at the combine (4.45 40, 35 ½ vertical). He drops for fear that he may have been a one-year wonder.
Outlook: I like Peake a little more than Carroo because of his size and ball skills, but either could fit. They wouldn't be under pressure to see snaps right away, but could certainly make their contributions. Carroo could be a candidate for the slot.
Late-round sleeper(s)
Demarcus Robinson, Florida, 6-1/203
This guy might as well carry a red flag with him. He's had multiple suspensions and didn't do so hot during the interview process according to reports. His numbers weren't eye popping, but you can see the big-play ability. He's a smooth athlete and has good, natural hands. His 40 time wasn't great, but watch his game from last season against Ole Miss: he's a home-run hitter. The Eagles have reportedly met with the former Gator.
NFL
Mike Thomas, Southern Miss, 6-1/200
No, not the guy from Ohio State. Thomas' production was impressive in 2015 (71 catches, 1,391 yards, 14 TDs). He also tested well at his pro day. So much so that he caught the Eagles' eye. He has a tendency to round off his routes which is certainly coachable. I don't love his hands but there are plenty of other things to look at when evaluating Thomas.
Outlook: This is tough. I love what I see on the field from Robinson but his inability to stay on the field is troubling. Thomas has great measureables and some big-play ability. This pick depends on what kind of gamble you want to take.