Niner Noise
FanSided

The biggest question facing each NFL team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 13, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during mini camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during mini camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia Eagles

Will Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith go bust?

The Philadelphia Eagles needed to add both wide receivers and cornerbacks this offseason.

The former was addressed by key free-agent pickups, wideouts Torrey Smith and Alshon Jeffery from the 49ers and Bears, respectively.

On paper, these additions look to be the bona fide weapons second-year quarterback Carson Wentz needs to “get to the next level.”

Here’s the thing though. Smith is coming off the two worst years of his NFL career. Granted, the 49ers offense in 2015 and 2016 was anything but prolific, so we have to take his stat lines with a grain of salt. But there is worry this is a sign of things to come.

Similarly, Jeffery hasn’t been the same dynamic receiver he was in Chicago back in 2014. Yes, his two subsequent campaigns were good, if not great. Just like Smith, though, one has to wonder if the one-time Pro Bowler will return to his playmaking ways.

The change of scenery may benefit both receivers, and Philly fans hope this is the case.

If not, the Eagles will be forced to recognize the mistakes and try again in 2018.