Without Jeremy Maclin, the Philadelphia Eagles’ receiving corps is depleted, downtrodden, and depressed at the loss of its leader. DeSean Jackson is in a contract year, and is ready to pick up the slack for the injured Maclin, but he cannot do it alone. What is left after the departure of Maclin is a group ripe with talent, but lacking in experience.

In the NFL, it takes more than two to tango. Whether Michael Vick , Nick Foles , or Matt Barkley starts for Philadelphia won’t matter, if there Is no one to throw to. Only two other receivers have NFL experience outside of Desean Jackson. Jason Avant is entering his eight season in the league, and looks ready to embrace a large role in the Eagles’ offense. The Michigan graduate has 259 receptions in Eagle green, while recording 3,199 yards with 10 touchdowns. Avant’s shortcoming is in regards to his height, due to his stature and less than stellar speed, the former Wolverine struggles when he is not posted in the slot. Avant’s role with the team will likely remain the same despite the fate of Maclin, leaving the outside receiver spot as an open competition.

Unlike the contest for the starting quarterback position, the battle for Eagles’ second wide receiver has a front runner. You may have heard Riley Cooper ‘s name in the news recently. Entering his fourth season, Cooper lacks the experience, and burst speed to succeed at the NFL level. Though he does not play well with others, the Florida graduate has the size to succeed as the outside receiver. Cooper stands at six-foot three, and weighs 222 pounds, making him an ideal target on the edge. In his three seasons played in Philadelphia, Cooper has amassed a meager 46 receptions for 679 yards and five touchdowns. Many believe the outspoken former Gator to be in the lead for the starting spot opposite Jackson, but another candidate may overtake Cooper for the position.

Entering his third season, Tulsa graduate Damaris Johnson is looking to make a name for himself in the NFL. Johnson is a nice complement to Jackson, and is a very similar receiver to Maclin due to his tremendous speed and smaller stature. Johnson is the sexy pick for starter because he possess that home-run ability neither Cooper nor Avant have. The former Golden Hurricane (yes that is a real mascot) is an excellent route runner, and is a special teams coach’s dream. Regardless of his role in the offense, expect Johnson to contribute in the return game on both punts and kickoffs. Johnson is true untested raw talent, and should factor heavily into the Eagles’ offense.

As it stands now, the aforementioned wide receivers are the only locks to make the Eagles’ roster. Some talent who may be on the outside looking in includes: Greg Salas , Russell Shepard , and Ifeanyi Momah. Of the group, Salas, and Shepard have the best shot to make the team. It is likely that the Eagles will keep only five or six wide receivers, so not everyone on this list may be around for the foreseeable future. Momah appeals to the coaching staff because of his six foot eight frame.  The former Golden Eagle also runs a four and a half second 40-yard dash, but does not possess the intangibles asked of a big play wide receiver. Shepard has impressed the staff at practice, is of above average size, and has great hands. Salas is a bit of a dark horse in this race due to his size, but he possess a tenacity for catching the football, as he showed in the Eagles’ first preseason game, making a one handed grab on the goal line.

While 2013 does not have the promise of a successful season, the Eagles do have a talented young roster with potential for growth. The injury to Maclin was devastating to the Eagles receiving corps, but unknowns on the roster could make a positive impact. While the biggest question regarding the depth chart , who the starting quarterback will be, remains to be seen; the Eagles’ are nearing a decision for their receivers. Expect Jackson, Avant, Johnson, and Cooper to be in Eagles’ green come September, but whether Salas, Shepard, or Momah Is alongside them is still undecided. Regardless, Philadelphia’s vertical offense faces big challenges heading into 2013, and not just at the quarterback position.