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Philadelphia Eagles: Nelson Agholor seeks to prove himself

By Lauren Lapaglia

Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor (17) goes out for a pass against Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Brent Grimes (24) at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor (17) goes out for a pass against Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Brent Grimes (24) at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor won’t let Green-Beckham acquisition hold him back. In fact, it’s pushing him to be the best.

Without warning, on Tuesday the Philadelphia Eagles acquired former Titans’ receiver Dorial Green-Beckham in a trade, giving up offensive lineman Dennis Kelly. In 2015, Green-Beckham was drafted 40th overall and was expected to be the top receiving talent in Tennessee this season. Now, he’s projected to make a splash in Philadelphia instead.

Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (17) catches a pass over New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (17) catches a pass over New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Until now, the receiving corps in Philly was projected to consist of Nelson Agholor, Jordan Matthews, and Reuben Randle. Last year, the Eagles receiving game was abysmal, posting only 23 touchdowns. Green-Beckham is slated to vastly improve the Eagles chances at a successful season, but the question remains as to how that will affect struggling receivers like Agholor.

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Agholor underwhelmed in 2016, producing only 23 receptions for 283 yards and one touchdown. According to NFL.com (via Conor Orr), Agholor will use this trade as fuel to improve.

"“I’m going to make myself useful on the football field, regardless. I come out here, I’m going to play hard, I’m going to have great speed, great effort, be detail-oriented, and make plays. At the end of the day, I’m going to be on this football team, and I’m going to help this team win football games.”"

What’s more interesting is that Green-Beckham and Agholor are friends. They know each other from the 2015 draft process and have gotten close over the past year. With Green-Beckham and Agholor pushing each other on the field, some friendly competition might lead to more success for Philadelphia.

"“I know him very well. I have a lot of respect for him,” Agholor said, via Philly.com. “I think he’s a great football player. He’s a competitor. He’s a guy with a lot of talent, and he’s going to help us out. He’s a good person . . . We’re very close.”"

Agholor did not log a single touchdown in Philly’s preseason opener, even though he played for over 30 snaps. He’ll have another chance to standout at Thursday’s second preseason matchup when the Eagles face the Steelers at Heinz Field.

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