Fly The Fantasy Eagles! Which Eagles Should You Draft?
The young offensive weapons of the Eagles are on the way up. The core of Jalen Hurts, Miles Sanders, Dallas Goedert, and DeVonta Smith are all expected to develop and grow next season.
We at Fly Eagles Nation hope that equates to wins and another playoff berth. That being said, we would also love to help you crush your fantasy draft. So, take notes and keep an eye on these players in the lead-up to your draft.
Jalen Hurts – QB
It is not often that you will have a second-year quarterback come out and lead his team in rushing with 784 yards and ten touchdowns. All in just 15 games.
Jalen Hurts did suffer an ankle injury late in the season, which affected his value. Unfortunately, this lowered his production at the tail end of the season. Conversely, this may assist in him dropping in the draft and he may become a steal for you.
He ended the season ranked ninth in fantasy at the position. Hurts may be able to build on his passing statistics this season with improved receiving weapons after the draft.
The Eagles’ incumbent quarterback did have nine interceptions and nine fumbles, so he can be a risk for games where he does not look after the rock. However, Hurts has tremendous upside as a developing passer and devastating runner. Look for him to be a top ten quarterback off the board, and a high upside pick.
Will the Eagles trade for Russell Wilson this offseason? – Powered By PickUp
Miles Sanders – RB
Sanders had a strange fantasy season in 2021. Playing 12 of the possible 17 games, injuries had a major impact on his productivity. But what was more perplexing is his inability to find the end zone. Despite 912 all-purpose yards in just 12 starts, Sanders did not score.
There are just as many great reasons to take a flyer on Sanders. He averaged an outstanding 5.5 yards per carrying, breaking chunks of yardage with ease. With the Eagle’s new run-first identity and incredible offensive line, look for Sanders to surpass 1,000 yards this season if he can remain healthy.
Entering his fourth season, look for the Eagles to raise his workload from 11.4 attempts per game to at least 15. Sanders saw two attempts in Week Three and six rushes in Week Seven, before the change of offensive identity.
Kenneth Gainwell – RB
If you are in a PPR league, Gainwell is worth a look. Gainwell not only had five rushing touchdowns and averaged a solid 4.3 yards per attempt, but he also led all Eagles’ backs with 33 receptions for 253 yards and a touchdown.
Gainwell may see a significant uptick in workload in year two. He had flashes of sound production in his rookie season and will likely become the third-down back as Boston Scott and Jordan Howard continue to age.
DeVonta Smith – WR
DeVonta Smith is the number one option for Jalen Hurts. In his rookie campaign, the Alabama product had 104 targets, catching 64 passes for 916 yards. He reached the end zone five times, capping off a really productive debut to the NFL.
In his second season, look for his comfort with Hurts to continue to grow. There will be less pressure on him as the only elite receiver, as the Eagles will most likely take a receiver in the first round of the draft. This will allow Smith to utilize his route running without as much bracket coverage and increase his already impressive production.
Will Eagles re-sign Jordan Howard in offseason? – Powered By PickUp
Dallas Goedert – TE
Well, the big money has come. Goedert will be asked to produce at an even higher rate. Entering his fifth season and second as a full-time primary tight end, the Eagles will look for him to build on his stellar season in 2021.
Goedert was a big target for Hurts over the middle, finishing with 830 yards and catching four touchdowns on the year. This season, look for him to become a bigger threat in the red zone as opposing defenses have more to deal with outside.
Depending on the improvement of the receiving corps, Goedert may cross the 1,000-yard mark this year and go for double-digit touchdown receptions.
Jake Elliot – Kicker
Jake Elliot was fantastic in 2021. The 27-year-old made 30 of 33 field goals and did not miss any of his 44 extra point tries. Additionally, Eliot also made all three of his 50+ yard attempts, with a long of 58.
Therefore, if you are seeking a consistent kicker coming off a career year, look no further than Elliot as a name that will be overlooked compared to the likes of fan-favorites Evan McPherson (Bengals) and Justin Tucker (Ravens).
#JalenHurts #devontasmith #DallasGoedert #FantasyFootball #fantasymockdraft #NFL2022 #PhiladelphiaEagles #KennethGainwell #featuredwriters #milessanders