In their ongoing effort to quell the wide receiver woes that have plagued the city of Philadelphia since the departure of Terrell Owens, the Eagles latest attempt involved an interview with the University of California rookie prospect DeSean Jackson. Jackson boasted the fastest 40-yard dash for all wide receivers at the scouting combine in Indy, clocking in at a blazing 4.35 seconds. However, what he has in speed, he lacks in size. Jackson’s 5-foot-10, 169 pound stature isn’t likely to intimidate an opposing cornerback on the professional level, but players of similar size have found success in the NFL. Jackson can be most easily likened to Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers, who at 5-foot-9, still manages to to draw double coverage when running routes. Jackson recorded 6 touchdowns, 65 receptions and 762 receiving yards in his junior year at Cal.

Although he probably wouldn’t make a drastic or immediate impact in the Eagles’ passing game, his speed could lend a much needed boost to the punt return team. Jackson was an All-American punt returner as a sophomore at Cal, where he led the country with his 18.2 yard return average and took four punts back for scores. The Eagles ranked 24th in overall kick and punt return production in 2007.

It’s obvious that the Eagles’ front office is trying acquire another receiving threat for Donovan McNabb in what could be his last season in Philadelphia. They tried their hand at gaining a star wideout by luring Randy Moss and attempting to trade for Larry Fitzgerald to no avail. I don’t hate the idea of the Eagles using their 1st round pick to add a wide receiver. It would be a nice to add some fresh, young talent to the receiving corps, but it doesn’t provide the team with the immediate, impact pass-catcher that this squad needs if this is a “championship or bust” season. Detroit’s Roy Williams‘ name has been tossed around in rumor circles involving the Dallas Cowboys. If the Eagles want to compete in the division this year, they’ll have to get to Williams before Dallas, if, in fact Williams becomes available.