The Philadelphia Eagles' gamble to re-sign both Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper appears genius after the release of DeSean Jackson last Friday. With their leading wide receiver gone for good, it is expected that both Maclin and Cooper will step up after having very different 2013 seasons. With uncertainty suddenly arising in the wide receivers group for the Eagles, head coach Chip Kelly is expressing his full confidence in the players on the roster.
Jackson's loss is Maclin's gain. The wide receiver missed all of the 2013 season due to a torn ACL suffered in offseason workouts. With an expiring contract, things were not looking good for Maclin who was one of the most consistent performers for the Eagles in four seasons. However, he was able to negotiate a one-year deal that will allow him to return to Philadelphia. With rehab going according to plan, Maclin has high expectations for himself as a leading wide receiver.
"I don't really think about it," Maclin said, via Philly.com. "I think my value is my value, regardless of who I have playing around me. That's my mind-set and how I approach the situation."
General manager Howie Roseman has a good feeling about Maclin in this upcoming season. He believes that once the wide receiver gets fully healthy, he will rise to the occasion. Roseman noted that the Eagles would not have re-signed Maclin if they did not think that would be the case.
Outside of Maclin, Cooper is expected to build off of his career-high season after putting up big numbers thanks to his chemistry with quarterback Nick Foles. The wide finished as one of the go-to receivers, making Kelly happy to have multiple threats on offense even with Jackson gone.
"I don't think our offense has ever been predicated on one player," Kelly said. "We used three quarterbacks last year, we used multiple running backs, our tight ends are integral into what we do. I think we have an outstanding offensive line. It's never been about just one guy."
Even with Kelly's confidence in both Maclin and Cooper, the Eagles will still draft a wide receiver early in May. The team will not grab a first-round player like Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans, but the team could grab someone like Marqise Lee or Brandin Cooks who are known for their speed and dynamic abilities. Kelly said speed is what he looks for most in a wide receiver and both players meet that description.