How Tee Higgins could thrive in the Eagles’ offense

Previously in profiling how 2020 NFL Draft wide receiver prospects fit with the Philadelphia Eagles — Jerry Jeudy | Henry Ruggs III | CeeDee Lamb. Today we’re looking at Tee Higgins.

Tee Higgins is the most polarizing player — especially for Eagles fans — in this deep wide receiver class. The 6’4”, 216 pound receiver has rare size with extremely long arms. He was a key player on two Clemson teams that made the national title, winning one and led the Tigers in receiving and touchdowns during both seasons.

It can’t be overstated that Higgins is a big play threat despite not having the burning speed of some of his peers in this class. Higgins averaged almost 20 yards a catch, scored a touchdown on 20% of his catches and a stunning 81% of his catches went for first downs. Higgins’ rare blend of size, strength and ball skills means he is basically always open. Higgins also lined up at X, Y and Z for Clemson where the Tigers would try to create mismatches using his size, meaning he has lots of versatility to bring to the NFL.

In Philadelphia, his hands and ball skills will immediately be welcome on a team that desperately needs a dependable pass catcher at wide receiver. The Eagles could line him up anywhere, but he would immediately draw attention as a perimeter receiver due to his ability to play above the rim and make big plays downfield. Even more dangerous is how he could be a factor in the red zone, especially with the attention that Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert already draw.

Higgins’ biggest concern is just translating his physical style of play to the NFL and there is nothing to prove that elevation isn’t there for him. He always plays hard and that will help him early in his career. Even when he just gets into the lineup, Higgins will draw attention as a receiver and if defenses are caught sleeping on him; he will make a big play as he did for two years at Clemson.

Carson Wentz is an aggressive passer and Higgins is the type of player who thrives with that sort of quarterback. Wentz will trust Higgins in 50/50 situations more often than not and Higgins will grow to deliver consistently.

Big plays come in all sorts and while Eagles fans think they will only come from 4.3 running receivers, sometimes they can come when you have a power forward beating up on defensive backs.