With Eagles training camp now a month away, we’re looking at the 30 most important Eagles of 2023 and wide receiver Quez Watkins lands at No. 24.
A homerun threat as a deep pass catcher, Watkins will look to hold off Olamide Zaccheaus for the third wide receiver spot.
Background
Position: Wide Receiver
Age: 25
Experience: 4th year pro
2023 cap hit: $2,785,416
2022 recap
Last season Watkins regressed with the arrival of A.J. Brown, getting 51 total targets, for 33 catches, 354 yards and three touchdowns.
Watkins had far less explosive plays in 2022, and was responsible for a Jalen Hurts interception in Week 15 against the Chicago Bears and two of Gardner Minshew’s interceptions in a Week 16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
2023 outlook
The Eagles are set to have Watkins and free agent signing Olamide Zaccheaus battle for the No. 3 wide receiver job in training camp.
With Zaccheaus being able to work out of the slot, Watkins will still have plenty of deep ball opportunities on the outside, while Philadelphia will look to exploit the speedy wide out in matchups against the opposing teams third or fourth cornerback.
Big question: Can Watkins regain his 2021 form
Once considered the next breakout receiver for Philadelphia, Watkins will look to avoid being a training camp casualty.
Eagles brass, head coach Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts have all had high praise for the former Southern Miss wideout, and the expectation is that Watkins can regain his 2021.
Philadelphia is stacked at the skill position groups and it’ll be hard for Watkins to duplicate his 2021 statline of 43 catches for 647 yards. The hope is that Watkins can return to averaging 15.7 yards per catch after a career-low 10.7 yards per catch in 2022.
30 Most Important Eagles of 2023
We’re counting down our 30 Most Important Eagles of 2023. Check back every day leading up to the start of training camp.
No. 30 Nicholas Morrow, No. 29 Milton Williams, No. 28 Olamide Zaccheaus, No. 27 Avonte Maddox, No. 26 Jake Elliott, No. 25 Rashaad Penny
