JJ Arcega-Whiteside 40 time: How fast is the Falcons’ new WR?
The Atlanta Falcons have now added former Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside to help second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Arcega-Whiteside, 26, was born in Spain but moved to the U.S. when he was six. He played college football at Stanford and was drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. His pick became infamous because seven picks later, the Seahawks were able to get DK Metcalf.
Although Arcega-Whiteside is way behind Metcalf as a wide receiver and they play in much different styles, a good run at the 40-yard dash certainly helped his draft stock. He ran 4.50, which does not make him Tyreek Hill by any means but is a great number for a player who wins with power and size.
JJ Arcega-Whiteside NFL career: Why did he fail to become good?
A tragic failure: That's the best way to sum up Arcega-Whiteside's NFL trajectory so far. Selected in the second round of the 2019 draft, he had less than 20 receptions and only 290 yards, with a single touchdown in 2019.
In 2022, he stopped being a wide receiver and switched to tight end in a desperate attempt to keep his job. It obviously didn't work out and he was released by the Seahawks midway through the 2022 season, not signing with a new team until his deal with the Falcons.
His lack of concentration was a huge problem during his stint with the Eagles, as it turned into a ton of drops, and many drives ending due to it. He did develop into a nice blocker, but that's far from what you'd expect from your second-round pick.
His 4.50 40-yard dash also never materialized on the field, as he struggled to create separation from opposing cornerbacks. The Eagles did try to make him a valuable piece in their offense, but he clearly wasn't the answer to any of their problems.
Falcons wide receiver depth chart for 2023