This season has been rough for the Eagles when you look at the receiving core. With the concern of the positional group for the last two seasons or so, Howie Roseman hasn’t found a solid option with consistency. This season, only one receiver as of week 10 has hit the 400+ yard mark, and that was Travis Fulgham.
This week, we look for a superstar wide receiver that can change this offense and provide that spark. Traveling to South Dakota State, you find the best receiver going into the 2020 FCS season in Cade Johnson, the 5’10 180-pound senior, who originally was looking to transfer this off-season, but has recently announced that he will declare for the 2021 NFL draft, who also received an invite to the annual Reese’s Senior Bowl. In 2019, Johnson had 72 receptions for 1,222 yards and 8 touchdowns.
In his career, he has accumulated a bunch of awards, such as Associated Press All-America First Team, Walter Camp FCS All-America Team, Walter Payton Award Finalist (award given to the best offensive player in the FCS), and finally All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team in 2018 & 2019.
The best part of his game is his release off the line of scrimmage which is something that current receivers struggle with. Cade is a pure deep threat and will help take the top off of the defense. Cade also has a great amount of agility with high acceleration making yards after catch huge. He can play the outside or the inside slot position with versatility. With all of these in mind, he can be used as a gadget player like a Tyreek Hill, Randell Cobb, etc with lining up in the background in motion on wheel routes creating even more separation. Cade has an elite ability to get defenders to bite on double moves leaving him open on big gains. Lastly, he had performed against a great secondary of Minnesota in the last season opener with decent success.
With a good Senior Bowl performance, this upcoming draft season Cade can improve his stock even more into a late day two selection. Currently, I think he has a great chance of being selected in the middle of the 4th in this year’s draft. I would highly suggest Howie select him for a much-needed spark to this team.
Philadelphia Sports Chronicle 