2014 Team Outlook: Philadelphia Eagles
WR Riley Cooper, --- - Bust (overvalued)
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Cooper's 2013 season represents a prime example of an overinflated career-year as he filled in for Maclin and finished with 47 catches for 835 yards (52 YPG) and eight touchdowns. Over his previous three seasons, the Florida alum totaled 46 catches with just five total touchdowns. Despite the loss of DJax, the Eagles have too many mouths to feed (McCoy, Maclin, Sproles, Matthews, Ertz) to expect Cooper to build on his 2013 production (highly unlikely he comes anywhere close to being a Top 25 fantasy WR like he was last season).
WR Jeremy Maclin, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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COMEBACK CANDIDATE: Maclin (26 years old) is returning from a torn ACL, which kept him out for the entire 2013 season. From 2010-2012, he averaged 67 catches for 893 yards (61 YPG) and will take over the Eagles' No. 1 wideout with DJax in Washington. His first 80 catch, 1,000-yard season is a real possibility. He remains an injury concern though, but an increased role in an up-tempo Eagles' offense is worth the risk. Maclin has 26 touchdowns over four seasons and should be considered a solid WR2, provided he doesn't suffer any setbacks in training camp.
Editor's note: We here at FFToolbox project Maclin to really outperform his ADP (69.68 or a mid- to late sixth-round pick). With our current WR projecction/ranking at No. 18, this places Maclin ahead of guys like DeSean Jackson, Victor Cruz and Percy Harvin.
TE Zach Ertz, WAS - Sleeper (undervalued)
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BREAKOUT TE CANDIDATE: In his first season, the Stanford alum finished with 36 catches for 469 yards (29 YPG) and four touchdowns. He should see his role increase significantly following the DeSean Jackson departure. Ertz has an excellent chance to leap into fantasy must-start territory (especially when you consider the high praise he recently received from Eagles tight ends coach Ted Williams which compared his skill set to that of Shannon Sharpe and Ozzie Newsome). Ertz will get a look from you or someone else in your league as a borderline TE1, especially if the Eagles part ways with veteran Brent Celek before Week 1 (Celek is owed $4 million in 2014).
Editor's note: After the top 10, you have several young tight ends with breakout potential to choose from this year; LaDarius Green, Ertz, Clay, Ebron and Eifert. Don't be surprised if someone in your league decides to take one of these guys in the 7 to 8 range. Ertz has Top 5 potential in the Eagle's offense.
Injury Status: Injured ReserveTE Jordan Matthews, --- - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
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ROOKIE POTENTIAL: Matthews has ideal size (6-foot-3, 209 pounds) and speed (4.46 at NFL Combine) with excellent work ethic. The SEC's career record-holder for receptions (262) and receiving yards (3,759) had a solid showing at the Senior Bowl, which led to the Eagles selecting him in the second round (No. 42 overall). In 2013, Matthews had 112 receptions for 1,477 yards with seven touchdowns and carried Vanderbilt to a bowl game. He has been running with the first team in some OTA drills, which is a sign that he is a player to keep on the fantasy radar for the upcoming season.The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jimmy Kempski labeled the rookie as the best WR on the field at OTAs. The hype is being reflected in ADP data as Matthews sits at WR44, while current starter Riley Cooper is at WR49.
TE Brent Celek, --- - Bust (overvalued)
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The 29 year-old has seen his production decline over the past three seasons and he could be asked to restructure his deal in order to remain with the team. In 2013, he finished with just 32 catches for 502 yards and six touchdowns. His blocking ability is valued, but that's not going to help fantasy owners.
PK Alex Henery, --- - Bye Week Fill-in
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Entering his fourth season, the Nebraska alum could be on thin ice after he made just 23 of 28 field goals in 2013 and missed a crucial kick in the 26-24 playoff loss to New Orleans. He has only connected on two 50-yard FGs over three seasons and the Eagles may look to bring in competition during training camp.
