Eagles to meet with son of legendary NFL WR

As a second or third-round prospect, Rice would be an ideal choice for receiver-needy teams like the Cardinals, Chargers and Giants, but why Philadelphia?

With A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on the roster, the Eagles have one of the best wide receiver duos in football. Brown is signed through 2026, albeit at a substantial cost, while Smith has one year remaining and a fifth-year option for 2025.

Two years ago, the pair finished fourth and ninth in receiving yards and combined for 2,522 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023. But beyond those two, Julio Jones, Quez Watkins and Olimide Zaccheaus combined to give Philadelphia 380 yards last season.

Obviously, the team needs more production from their No. 3 receiver. Rice could certainly fill that role but some believe they’ve already addressed the issue with the signings of Parris Campbell and DeVante Parker.

Parker was a first-round pick of the Dolphins in 2015 and joins the Eagles after two unremarkable seasons with Mac Jones’ Patriots. He was held without a touchdown in 2023 but at 6-foot-3, he could have value as a red-zone target for quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Campbell signed last week after four years with the Colts and one regrettable year with the Giants. He finished the season with 20 catches for 104 yards and was held scoreless while missing five games with injury.   

At the moment, Rice projects as an early third-round pick. The Eagles hold no picks in that round but have a pair of second-round selections (No. 50 and No. 53.) They’re unlikely to use either for Rice, but if he starts to fall, the team could always trade back and try to get him later.

While no one expects Rice to match his father’s 22,895 yards as the NFL’s all-time leader, he’s slightly bigger, a little faster and faced better talent than his old man did at Mississippi Valley State. If he has even half of his dad’s legendary work ethic, the Eagles would be wise to bring him in.