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Craig Rondinone analyzes why Philadelphia Eagles WR Jalen Reagor is a sleeper for fantasy football in 2021.
Jalen Reagor did not show fantasy football general managers much in 2020, but the same will not hold true in 2021.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ former first-round pick was supposed to kickstart their pass-catching corps and give fantasy footballers a speedy slot receiver who could be useful in standard and dynasty leagues. Instead, Reagor gave fantasy managers nothing to love and was probably released from many rosters before the conclusion of the season. A receiver with a 31-396-1 line is about as valuable in fantasy football as a punter, an inaccurate kicker, or a sackless defensive end.
Despite being a fantasy flop in his rookie campaign, the fantasy future is surprisingly bright for Reagor heading into his sophomore season. Why should Reagor be on your radar? Here is a look at the reasons why the WR should be a sleeper in 2021!
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The Lack of Depth on Philadelphia’s Depth Chart
Philadelphia might be stacked at tight end with Zach Ertz still on the team and Dallas Goedert as the best No. 2 TE on any NFL roster right now, but at wide receiver, the Eagles' talent pool is as shallow as a kiddie pool. Philadelphia’s No. 1 WR and 2021 first-round pick, DeVonta Smith, battled a knee injury during training camp, so even though it appears he should be ready for Week 1, he will likely be behind the eight-ball the first few weeks because of not getting the practice reps he needs.
The rest of Philadelphia’s receiving corps does not remind you of “The Fun Bunch” from the Washington Redskins’ glory years. No WR had over 550 yards in 2020. Travis Fulgham, Philly’s leading receiver, had nine receptions over his last seven games of the season. Greg Ward scored six touchdowns but averaged an RB-like 7.9 yards per catch. John Hightower had 10 catches in 13 games and has no fantasy value. 2019 second-round pick JJ Arcega-Whiteside has one touchdown in 24 career contests and brings no fantasy value to the table, either.
So unless Philadelphia trades Ertz for a top-flight receiver before Week 1, the barn door is wide open for Reagor to run through and become the team’s No. 2 WR --- at worst. And if the Eagles deal Ertz away for a draft pick or a non-receiver, that is even better for Reagor’s target totals.
New Coaching Staff Means New Life
Doug Pederson and his coaches led Philadelphia to a Super Bowl, but they also had a way of turning some players’ fantasy values into mush. Just ask Carson Wentz and Dallas Goedert’s fantasy managers the past couple of years. Pederson and his staff did not warm up to Reagor right away last year. The kid did not have more than seven targets in a game until December, even though the Eagles’ receivers and tight ends were more banged up than a no-name wrestler getting slammed by Kenny Omega.
Reagor will get out of the doghouse now that new head coach Nick Sirianni and his collection of coaches are taking over. New offensive coordinator Shane Steichen was the L.A. Chargers OC last season and helped Justin Herbert fast forward into becoming an above-average NFL quarterback in his rookie year when many had doubts about how good he was. If Steichen can get the same improvement out of Eagles signal-caller Jalen Hurts, that will do wonders for Reagor’s fantasy worth.
Receivers Blossom in Year Two
While some rookie receivers suffer from sophomore slumps in their second seasons, just as often it is Season Two when wideouts have the breakout years that put them on the fantasy football map. Seattle’s DK Metcalf and Tennessee’s A.J. Brown are both top-10 fantasy wideouts heading into the upcoming season after having sensational second seasons. Washington’s Terry McLaurin is a top-15 fantasy WR after being a super soph in 2020. Do you know what Metcalf, Brown, and McLaurin have in common? None were first-round picks like Reagor was.
Do you want some more examples? Dallas’ Michael Gallup, Carolina’s D.J. Moore, and Jacksonville’s D.J. Chark were not world beaters or fantasy favorites during their 2018 rookie seasons, yet all three broke the 1,000-yard barrier in 2019 after having a year under their belts and helmets. Most receivers do not bust out of the gate like Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson and play like Jerry Rice right away. Reagor has too much talent, speed, and skill to be thought of as a bust this early in his career. There is no reason he cannot be a 1,000-yard receiver as quickly as 2021.
Reagor will be available in the late rounds of most fantasy drafts coming off the disappointing rookie season he had. Some fantasy managers will discount what he can do because they do not believe Hurts is a decent passer or they think that Reagor is undersized. Do not make the same mistake as others in your league. Keep your eye on Reagor after the middle rounds and take a flyer on him before someone sneaks him away from you. You will be glad you did after Eagles fans and fantasy footballers witness a lot of Jalen-to-Jalen passes throughout 2021.
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