J.J. Arcega-Whiteside

According to Eagles beat writer Jimmy Kempski, 2nd-year wideout J.J. Arcega-Whiteside has a chance to compete for the starting “X” receiver position that was formerly occupied by Alshon Jeffery.

Fantasy Impact

With Jeffery likely starting the season on the PUP, Arcega-Whiteside will have every opportunity to start alongside DeSean Jackson and whoever the Eagles go with at slot, whether that be Greg Ward or Marquise Goodwin. JJAW had a tough rookie season last year, catching just 10 balls for 169 yards. Reports surfaced this offseason that he’d been dealing with injuries most of the year, but he’ll still need to get better and learn how to manage those nagging injuries should he want to retain a role as a starting wide receiver. He’ll face stiff competition for targets amongst a very capable group of pass-catchers that includes TEs Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, as well as WRs Jackson, Jalen Reagor, Ward, and Goodwin. He’s a late round dart throw in redraft leagues, and has just slightly more appeal in dynasty formats as he comes with 2nd-round draft Capital with a lot to prove to both the Eagles and himself moving forward.

In a recent interview, Eagles WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside opened up about his battle with injuries throughout the 2019 season, even stating that he needed help going to the bathroom in the morning at times.

Fantasy Impact

Arcega-Whiteside went on to say how difficult it was to form an on-field trust with QB Carson Wentz due to his injuries and inconsistent play. Even though the former second-round pick out of Stanford played all 16 games in his rookie year with the Eagles, he only managed to catch 10 balls for 169 yards and a touchdown. He brings a unique skill-set to a team that struggled at the wide receiver position last year due to injuries, but Arcega-Whiteside will have his work cut out for him this season as the team addressed the position in the off-season with the additions of Jalen Reagor and Marquise Goodwin. With a healthy Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson, as well as Wentz’ two favorite tight end targets Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, JJAW may find himself on the outside looking in unless he can develop a rapport with his quarterback early in the season.

Eagles GM Howie Roseman says J.J. Arcega-Whiteside "needs to take a big jump" this season.

Fantasy Impact

Roseman admitted that "JJAW" was playing through lower body injuries last season but also indicated the pressure for him to perform in 2020. The rookie wideout failed to take advantage of increased opportunity when DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery were hurt last season. JJAW could be an interesting buy-low in dynasty leagues but is off the re-draft radar for now.

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside failed to catch either of his two targets against Washington.

Fantasy Impact

JJAW has been a massive disappointment since being handed a golden opportunity on an injury ravaged receiver corps. He failed to record a reception in Week 15, and saw just two targets. Arcega-Whiteside has always been more of a contested catch winner than a receiver who wins via separation, but his 0.87 average yards of separation in Week 15 is sub replacement level. He should not be trusted in Week 16 regardless of the health of Nelson Agholor.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson says J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (hamstring) is "fine".

Fantasy Impact

Arcega-Whiteside could wind up as the Eagles' top receiver this Sunday against the Redskins. However, the rookie will still be difficult to trust in fantasy. Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, and Miles Sanders will probably handle the majority of the passing game work.