Draft’s later rounds could provide the Philadelphia Eagles with running back targets
With the release of running back Ryan Mathews likely to occur in the next few weeks, the Philadelphia Eagles will begin a search for a new starting running back. While the unit has some young talent and depth, it does not possess a true number one runner. Currently, the top back on the team’s depth chart would be pass catching extraordinaire Darren Sproles.
Sproles though, is not an every down runner. His smaller size is the main reason for this along with the fact that his age will become more of a factor the longer he plays in the NFL. However, Sproles does provide the Eagles with someone that Carson Wentz can count on in check down areas. That said, the team will still need someone that can run the football on almost any down.
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Though the team has been rumored to be interested in some of the upcoming free agent running backs, the best route for this team could be to select one in the draft. Getting a young running back with a lot of tread still on their tires is more important of a goal compared to the talent of someone who is nearing the middle-to-end parts of his career.
Players like Dalvin Cook and Christian McCaffrey have all been mocked to the Eagles at one point this offseason. However, with plenty of other needs across the roster, the Eagles may wish to try and address their running back problem during the later rounds. In a bit of good news for this team, this running back class does have some depth that should provide later options for them.
Someone like Kareem Hunt could be selected on day three for instance while other running backs may need a second day pick to snap them up. One thing is for sure, I do expect the Philadelphia Eagles to use at least one of their draft picks on a running back this year.
The aforementioned Kareem Hunt along with Wayne Gallman, Elijah McGuire, and Jeremy McNichols could all be targeted by the Eagles during the third day of the draft. Of these four players, all are talented and present a good amount of talent. Perhaps though, McNichols could be a big sleeper in this years draft.
Following in the footsteps of Doug Martin and Jay Ajayi, McNichols will be looking to translate his great career at Boise State into a solid NFL career. If the connections hold, McNichols would be a great late round selection for the Philadelphia Eagles.
READ MORE: Eagles potential first round draft picks
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