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Undrafted free agent wide receiver Devante Davis has been receiving a lot of attention from Philadelphia Eagles fans. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound receiver has the physical look of a star in the making, and Eagles fans are starting to think Davis has a shot to make the roster. But as unfortunate as it might be, Davis has little chance of sticking to the roster and is most likely practice-squad bound.
This isn’t a knock on Davis’ talents, because I personally like his game and see the potential he has. But the depth chart in front of him is pretty locked in for 2015, especially with the drafting of Nelson Agholor. Agholor, Jordan Matthews, and Josh Huff are cemented onto the roster as are newcomers Miles Austin and Seji Ajirotutu. That’s five players right there, and if there is a sixth receiver kept you can all but be assured it’s going to be Riley Cooper.
It’s true, the Eagles erred pretty bad by signing Cooper to that five-year, $22.5 million contract. Cooper turned one good year into a long-term contract only to sink back down. And it’s that contract that will guarantee Cooper’s spot on the team in 2015. Cooper’s dead cap hit still exceeds his actual cap hit this year, and I doubt the Eagles are so desperate to cut ties that they would be willing to eat that cash.
Besides, Cooper still does hold some value that Chip Kelly will want. He’s still a solid run blocking receiver and has some ability to secure a jump ball. Cooper clearly isn’t a starting option by any stretch of the imagination, but as a fourth or fifth receiver he can pitch in on certain packages and situations. Davis, meanwhile, still has a ton of work to do before he’s ready to see the field. Fundamental footwork, route-running, and run blocking skills are areas where he still needs to develop.
I think he’s got the potential to become a contributor, but it’s time to pump the brakes on Davis for 2015. Give the kid a year to smooth out the edges and see what he has next year. Cutting Cooper for Davis right now just doesn’t make any sense.
Doug Green is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com covering the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL. Follow him on Twitter @DGreenNFL.
