While the Philadelphia Eagles boast one of the top wide receiver duos in the NFL, there are concerns about who will be the team’s third wide receiver in 2024. Following the first week of training camp, Parris Campbell appears to be the early leader for the WR3 role.
Since Nick Sirianni’s arrival as head coach in 2021, the Eagles have consistently utilized a platoon strategy at the third wide receiver spot. While it might not be an ideal strategy for many teams, Sirianni likes the idea and hinted that it could stick around in 2024.
Eagles HC Nick Sirianni Hints at Possible WR3 Committee
It’s no secret that Philadelphia’s offense will primarily run through star wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Third in line will be tight end Dallas Goedert, likely followed by newly signed star running back Saquon Barkley. Therefore, Philadelphia’s third wide receiver likely won’t contribute much on Sundays.
Still, the role will be an important part of Philadelphia’s weekly game plan. Last season, the Eagles utilized a committee that included Julio Jones, Quez Watkins, and Olamide Zaccheaus. All three players have moved on and Sirianni admitted that the Eagles could be using a committee approach once again in 2024.
Sirianni was asked about Philadelphia’s passing-game strategy and how the team will use running backs in that aspect. While answering, he might have slipped up and revealed his plan at WR3.
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“The pass-game offense is still going to run through DeVonta [Smith], [WR] A.J. [Brown], Dallas [Goedert],” Sirianni said. “Then who’s the committee of No. 3 receiver, who’s the second tight end, who’s the back that we’re trying to get the ball to start things off in the pass game?”
There it is — Sirianni plans to use a committee at WR3 in 2024. However, it’ll be interesting to see if the third wide receiver is targeted at a higher rate in Kellen Moore’s offensive scheme. According to TruMedia, Watkins was third in targets among Philadelphia’s wide receivers last season despite being targeted just 25 times.
While it could be frustrating for many fans to see different players in that role again, Philadelphia’s roster contains several intriguing options to fulfill that committee.
Eagles’ Rookie Johnny Wilson Could Make Things Interesting
The most intriguing option to fill the WR3 spot in Philadelphia could be rookie WR Johnny Wilson. While Ainias Smith has failed to impress reporters in attendance at Eagles’ practice, Wilson has at times shown flashes.
On Monday, Wilson was one of the first receivers that Sirianni mentioned when asked about the WR3 spot. Campbell and veteran John Ross were mentioned first, but Wilson has certainly caught Sirianni’s eye.
“Parris [Campbell] has had success in this league through different things that he’s done. He has toughness. He has speed,” Sirianni said. “John Ross has got excellent speed. Johnny Wilson, big, physical, can bring an element of toughness and blocking to the group.”
#Eagles HC Nick Sirianni on the WR3 battle: pic.twitter.com/p6CGtkQuyC
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While Campbell and Ross could certainly fill the roles that Watkins and Zaccheaus played in Philadelphia last season, neither fits the mold of Jones as a big-bodied wide receiver. That’s exactly where Wilson could immediately step in and find snaps as a rookie.
Wilson possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism. According to Zach Berman of PHLY, Wilson is already receiving first-team reps as a slot receiver.
As Sirianni pointed out during his press conference on Monday, Wilson would help as a blocker, and lining him up in the slot would allow him to act as a pseudo-tight end.
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If Wilson continues to impress Philadelphia’s coaching staff, he could cement himself as the team’s WR3 — especially given Campbell and Ross’ injury concerns throughout their respective careers.
Sirianni has called Wilson a “unique” player in the past. Now it’s up to the 23-year-old to showcase just how special he truly is.