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2014 NFL Draft: Replacing DeSean Jackson at wide receiver

The Eagles will likely replace three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson with a young upstart in May's draft.

Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles will look to get a replacement for DeSean Jackson in May's draft. This is widely-considered one of the best (if not the best) wide receiver draft classes in recent history and the team should have several options in the selection process. There are four different types of wide receivers that the Eagles will look at in the draft: speedsters, large redzone threats, the inbetweener and speed and late-round players to develop. Let's take a look at 12 prospects that could be of interest to the Philadelphia front office.

The Size

Kelvin Benjamin, FSU (6'5" 240 lbs, 4.61 forty time): The former Seminole had a very rough Combine, but he has the size to make a major impact for the Eagles. While he runs like a tight end, he could be paired with Zach Ertz and move around the lineup into several different spots. If anyone can exploit Benjamin's size, it is Chip Kelly. (BGN Profile)

Mike Evans, Texas A&M (6'5" 231 lbs, 4.53 sec forty time): Evans is a scary player to go up against with solid hands, elite size and quality speed. He is likely to be gone by pick No. 22 but the Eagles have shown quite a bit of interest in him. He is set to visit the Eagles and Kelly was at his Pro Day. Could Philadelphia trade up for him? (BGN Profile)

Martavis Bryant, Clemson (6'4" 211 lbs, 4.42 sec forty time): A bit of a raw talent with an insane size-speed combination. Bryant is a bit green as a route runner, but he can be a serious threat in the redzone. He is a lanky, fast player that could also eventually work as a deep threat. He is likely a third round pick.

Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt (6'3" 212, 4.46 sec forty time): Matthews had a good combination of size and speed. He also has solid hands and can make big plays. While he isn't a surefire first round pick, he could be appealing as a trade back option. He would add more size to the offense, while still giving them speed to work with for the long ball.

The Flash

Brandin Cooks, Oregon State (5'10" 189 lbs, 4.33 sec forty time): The former Beaver is probably the name most linked to the Eagles in light of Jackson's release. While they seem like similar players on the surface, Cooks is a quality returner with the body to do things that Jackson would likely avoid. Cooks is open to going across the middle and he can score from anywhere on the field. He could be used in the slot and on the outside. (BGN Profile)

Marqise Lee, USC (6'0" 192 lbs, 4.52 sec forty time): The Eagles could have an option in the first round with Lee. While opinions are split on Lee because of his injury history, the guy can make plays. He can get open downfield and has solid route running skills. He would likely need to be taken at No. 22.

Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma (5'9" 165, 4.44 sec forty time): Built like Jackson, but not as talented. Saunders could be a Day 3 replacement for Jackson that could eventually develop into a poor man's DeSean. He has return ability and will likely serve primarily as depth as a rookie.

Sammy Watkins, Clemson (6'1" 211 lbs, 4.43 sec forty time): Watkins is the big fish of this draft. He is easily the most complete player at the position and will be a No. 1 receiver from the jump. The Eagles would likely need to trade up into the Top 5 to nab him, which is unlikely. However, if they are serious about replacing Jackson, there would be no better guy.

The Depth

Odell Beckham Jr., LSU (5'11" 198 lbs, 4.43 sec forty time): Beckham has speed but that is not what makes him special. The guy just never drops a pass, no matter if it is heavily contested or he is wide open. He is a dynamic returner and has the versatility move around a formation. A pair of trustee hands, Beckham is a late-first round pick or an early second round pick at worst. (BGN Profile)

Donte Moncrief, Mississippi (6'2" 221 lbs, 4.40 sec forty time): Size and speed are there for Moncrief, who has the ability to stretch the field. He is also a solid possession option that can get open with ease. He is a Day 2 guy that could easily turn into a starter early in his career. If the Eagles want to enjoy the depth of the class, Moncrief is a very good target.

Allen Robinson, Penn State (6'2" 220 lbs, 4.60 sec forty time): While his speed is a major question, Robinson is a capable route runner with size. He has the ability to go up for a pass and bring it down. He is strong and showed consistency with the ball in his hands at Penn State. He is also a local player that the team has likely paid attention to this past season.

Devin Street, Pittsburgh (6'3" 198 lbs, 4.55 sec forty time): Taller but slender, Street is a quality player with prototypical possession skills. He has natural hands and runs routes well. He could be taken in the third or fourth round and be developed into an eventual starter.

The Late Round Upside

Cody Hoffman, BYU (6'4" 223 lbs, 4.65 sec forty time): Hoffman is huge but is inconsistent. He also has a few character concerns but has terrific size. His speed is in question, but his height could make him ideal as a redzone option. He would likely be a second wide receiver pick for the Eagles that they could develop for a bigger role down the road. (BGN Profile)

Matt Hazel, Coastal Carolina (6'1" 198 lbs, 4.50 sec forty time): Average size and speed, Hazel is a small school prospect that is more a technician than a big play threat. He could be a very good option to replace Jason Avant in the slot, which would kick both Maclin and Riley Cooper to the outside. (BGN Profile)

Josh Huff, Oregon (5'11" 206 lbs, 4.51 sec forty time): A player very familiar with Chip Kelly, Huff could be used in the slot and returns. He has average size and speed but is a good route runner and can get open. He knows the offense and could fit right in with the Eagles.

Michael Campanaro, Wake Forest (5'9" 192 lbs, 4.46 sec forty time): A slot option with a history of injuries, Campanaro is a smart player with tons of experience. He could be used as a punt returner and go across the middle on offense. The talent is there but durability is a risk. (BGN Profile)

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