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Evan Silva of Rotoworld recently released his projected top 150 players in fantasy football for the 2016 NFL season. Here's a look at which Philadelphia Eagles players made the cut.
Eagles players
The Eagles' first player on the list doesn't show up until after the top 50. Yikes.
54. Jordan Matthews (WR30) -- Frustrating player changing systems. Boom-bust WR2/3.
Among Eagles players in their first two seasons, Matthews ranks first in receptions, second in yards, and second in touchdowns. Matthews has struggled with drops throughout his career but it was especially an issue last season. His broken hand partially contributed to those failures. The hope for Matthews is that he'll see a bigger role in the Eagles' offense and won't just be limited to the slot. The Eagles' wide receiver corps as a whole isn't very inspiring. Matthews still appears to be the best target.
62. Ryan Mathews (RB21) -- Competition is 33 year old Darren Sproles & rookie Wendell Smallwood.
Mathews is set to be the Eagles' starting running back this season. The question is: how long will it last? Mathews has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career so he's hardly reliable. Sproles, assuming he doesn't get traded, and Smallwood will both share touches with Mathews. One of Kenjon Barner or Byron Marshall could also be in the mix.
One thing to note about the Eagles' running back is they might be more involved in the passing attack than they were under Chip Kelly in recent years. Keep an eye on that for PPR value.
90. Zach Ertz (TE12) -- Philly losing lots of play volume. Another overvalued candidate.
I think Ertz is being underrated here. I know Eagles fans have been waiting forever for him to finally break out, but this could really be the year. (Fast forward to next year when I'm writing the same thing.) Ertz had a very strong finish to the 2015 season. He posted 35 receptions for 450 yards (12.9 average) and one touchdown in his last four games. He became a favorite target of likely Eagles starting quarterback Sam Bradford.
Ertz could be a focal point of Doug Pederson's offense. The Chiefs ran a lot of three tight end sets and made sure to get the ball to Travis Kelce.
135. Nelson Agholor (WR55) -- Arguably fantasy football's most disappointing rookie.
I've only pointed out a billion times that PFF rated Agholor as their worst receiver last season. He's bound to improve this year because he doesn't really have anywhere to go but up. Just how much better will he be, though? I wouldn't count on him to be a stud until I see it first.
Honorable mention: Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood, Sam Bradford
I already touched on Sproles and Smallwood above. As for Bradford, he's hardly a fantasy star. Even if he's playing "well" there's still the injury risk. Plus the Eagles might eventually pull the plug on him as a starter with Carson Wentz waiting in the wings.
Former Eagles players
25. LeSean McCoy (RB11) -- Still elite talent going on 28. Karlos Williams is TD threat.
Shady ranked No. 1 overall in Silva's rankings in 2014. He dropped to 18 last year. Now he dropped seven more spots.
38. Jeremy Maclin (WR21) -- Quietly set career high in receptions (87) with Alex Smith.
There's nothing quiet about the Eagles missing Maclin. Philadelphia's offense could have really used him last year (and beyond).
69. Frank Gore (RB24) -- Will crush his ADP if Colts rediscover 2014 offensive success.
The Eagles will always miss Frank Gore.
72. DeSean Jackson (WR37) -- Hurt all last year. Overall WR17 in 2014, WR10 in 2013.
Washington is 2-8 in games when Jackson has scored at least one TD. Jackson ranked at No. 50 last year.
74. DeMarco Murray (RB27) -- Looked washed in Philly after 497-touch 2014-15 season.
I almost forgot to include this guy on this list. I don't think anyone would have minded if I did.
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Who will you be drafting this year?