2020 NFL Draft profile: Tee Higgins still has a lot to offer

Once a popular name for the Eagles in mock drafts, many expect Clemson’s Tee Higgins to be a second-round pick in the draft.

But there’s still plenty to like about the 6-foot-4, 216-pound wideout.

In 2019, Higgins had a big year for Clemson, catching 59 passes for 1,167 yards (19.8) and 13 touchdowns. That followed a 59/936/12 season as a sophomore. So he’s had a lot of success at a college football powerhouse.

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Higgins has a long body time with above-the-rim skills that help him go up and win 50-50 balls at the highest point. And he isn’t a track star — he ran a 4.58 at his pro day — but Higgins has enough long speed and average 18.1 yards per catch for the Tigers.

There are two ways to look at his contest catch prowess. One is that it’s a great sign that he’s able to win so many of those contested matchups. But others will look at that as a bad sign that he wasn’t able to get much separation in college. If he couldn’t get it in college, why do we think he’ll be able to separate at the NFL level?

Higgins isn’t a perfect prospect but he has some impressive traits and a solid resume coming from a school known for pumping out pro receivers. He’ll end up being a Day 2 pick at worst.

Current roster at WR: The Eagles don’t have a ton they can count on. Their top receivers right now are Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Greg Ward Jr. Alshon is aging, declining, coming off injury and might be a locker room problem. DeSean is 33 and coming off a surgery. JJAW had a disappointing rookie season. And Ward might just be limited.

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How Higgins would fit: At his size, Higgins would definitely project to be an outside receiver for the Eagles. He could be the replacement for Jeffery at the X receiver position, where Arcega-Whiteside also plays.

Eagles’ history at WR in draft: It’s been shaky recently. In the last decade, the Eagles drafted seven receivers and just one got a second contract after their rookie deal. Statistically speaking, their best WR draft pick in the 2010s was Jordan Matthews as a second-rounder in 2014.

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