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Eagles position preview: Wide receiver

Eagles coach Doug Pederson has said there will be competition at every position as the Eagles start training camp this week. But not many spots are really up for grabs. Here is a look at one of the four positions that is legitimately open:

Eagles coach Doug Pederson has said there will be competition at every position as the Eagles start training camp this week. But not many spots are really up for grabs. Here is a look at one of the four positions that is legitimately open:

The field: Nelson Agholor, Chris Givens, Josh Huff, Marcus Johnson, Cayleb Jones, Jordan Matthews, Rueben Randle, Xavier Rush and Paul Turner.

The favorites: Pederson experimented with Matthews on the outside in the spring, but it was evident that he is best suited to the slot. He'll get the majority of receiver snaps this season even if most of his playing time comes inside. His spot is secure. The same can't be said for any of the primary outside candidates, but Agholor should get every opportunity to warrant his first-round draft selection. The second-year receiver has a lot to prove not only on the field but off it. Agholor was recently cleared of sexual assault charges, but his judgment remains in question. So does his ball catching. He was inconsistent during open offseason workouts.

The wild cards: The Eagles spent most of their offseason money at positions other than receiver, but they did sign Givens and Randle to bargain-basement deals. Both receivers produced to varying degrees at previous spots. Givens has big-play capabilities and history with quarterback Sam Bradford, but his catch rate in St. Louis and Tennessee was subpar. Randle nearly topped 1,000 yards two years ago, but the New York Giants weren't convinced that he was fully committed to his job and didn't bring him back. Both Givens and Randle flashed in the spring and should get a decent amount of time in the rotation. But if Agholor doesn't progress, either one could ascend to the No. 1 outside receiver spot.

The rookies: After expending three picks in the first three rounds of the previous two drafts on receivers, the Eagles used this year's selections on other positions. But they did add five undrafted rookies. Jones (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) and Johnson (6-1, 204) stood out more than the others during the spring. Does that mean they have a legitimate shot to start or even make the roster? Probably not. But they could be developmental practice squad candidates.

The rest: Huff improved in his second season, but he was still miscast on the outside. He lacks down-the-field ball skills and isn't the sharpest route runner. But he is effective with the ball in his hands provided he can hold onto it. If the Eagles were any deeper at receiver, his days in Philly would be numbered. But he has special teams value and could be an asset on offense if Pederson were to find a way to utilize his skills.