Jeremy Maclin has practiced fully throughout the offseason
Philadelphia Eagles top wide receiver Jeremy Maclin missed the entire 2013 season with an ACL tear that he suffered in training camp, but he’s gotten back to work after signing a nice deal in the offseason. He’s taking departed wideout DeSean Jackson’s spot as the “Z” receiver in the offense, which isn’t a surprise given he is more similar to D-Jax than any of the other receivers on the roster. That isn’t to say that he’s as explosive as Jackson, but he is a more polished route-runner with better hands. With Jordan Matthews dominating during offseason practices, the Eagles offense won’t miss a beat at WR with Maclin and Riley Cooper back in the fold, another rookie in Oregon product Josh Huff joining the corps, an expected breakout from talented second-year TE Zach Ertz, and the addition of explosive RB Darren Sproles. In fact, Chip Kelly’s offense will be better, especially since Nick Foles will only continue to improve.
Anyway, let’s get back to Maclin. He’ll be the leader of this talented pass-catching offense, so it’s great to hear that there have been no hitches in his recovery from a serious knee injury. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Zach Berman, Maclin stated that he has been a full participant in each of the Eagles 11 offseason practices since their workout programs started on the 21st of April. Both Foles and Chip Kelly, who praised Maclin effusively for his play in OTAs, seconded that the wideout has recovered.
Maclin said, “I’ve done everything since April 21st, when we were able to get out here as a team. I’ve been getting better each and every day, and I’m really happy with my progress.”
With plenty of past production and good physical tools, Maclin looks poised to haul in at least 6o passes next season, and it will all depend on how many targets he gets. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll be productive, and the trio of Maclin, Cooper, and Matthews looks great on paper.