Everyone knows the Philadelphia Eagles traded for the second pick in the NFL Draft to hopefully select a franchise Quarterback. But that will not fill their team needs alone, as they must utilize their limited picks to obtain pro-ready talent. Finding another Running Back will be vital to the success of the Philadelphia Eagles on offense.
Listed below is some possible Running Back steals for the Eagles on Day 2 and 3 of the upcoming NFL Draft.
JORDAN HOWARD- INDIANA
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Measurables: 6’o” 230lbs
2015 Statistics: 196 Carries, 1,213 Yards, 9 Touchdowns
Projected Round: 2-3
Howard is a big, physical back that is a down hill runner. He will not flash elite athleticism but plays faster than he tested. The Indiana scheme may have inflated his statistics but he displays good vision and hits the hole hard.
Why He Fits…
The Philadelphia Eagles are in search of a bell-cow back that can carry the load. He plays similar to current incumbent Ryan Matthews and would create a one-two punch controlling the ground game.
Biggest Concern…
Howard had several injury issues throughout his career, limiting his carries at Indiana. With his running style, Howard will always be a liability to stay on the field consistently.
Player Comparison: Cincinnati Benagls’ Jeremy Hill
KENNETH DIXON- LOUISIANA TECH
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Measurables: 5’10” 215lbs.
2015 Statistics: 253 Carries, 1,299 Yards, 22 Touchdowns
Projected Round: 2-3 Round
Dixon was extremely productive during his four years at Louisiana Tech. Though smaller in stature, he has a strong build that can take on tacklers. He is another back that hits the hole hard, understanding situational football. He is not overally quick or fast, but can make the most of his yardage as a runner or receiver.
Why He Fits…
Dixon would fit well in a two-back scheme, taking on a share of the workload. He is a tough all around player, that can contribute in all three aspects for a Running Back: running, receiving and blocking.
Biggest Concern:
At Louisiana Tech, the coaching staff took full advantage of his skill set, utilizing him heavily each season. Large college workloads are concerning for Dixon considering the shelf life for Running Backs in the NFL.
Player Comparison: Chicago Bears’ Jeremy Langford
KENYAN DRAKE- ALABAMA
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Measurables: 6’1″ 210lbs.
2015 Statistics: 77 Carries, 408 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Projected Round: 3-4
With all the attention on Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, Drake has flew under the radar as an NFL Draft prospect. He is a long back that displays good versatility as a receiver and return man. He has enough size to run up the middle, while the quickness on the outside to make tacklers miss. Though he was never the workhorse at Alabama, he made the most of his touches, being an unsung hero of the team.
Why He Fits…
Drake’s versatility will work well in the west-coast offense, especially in the short passing game. He can be strong complimentary Running Back, that only needs the ball a dozen or so times a game to make a big impact.
Biggest Concern:
Alabama has always used Drake as a compliment to their featured runners, leaving him inexperienced as a ball-carrier. He may never become an every down player, meaning he could be a liability if injuries arise to the other Running Backs on the roster.
Player Comparison: New York Giants’ Shane Vereen
KELVIN TAYLOR- FLORIDA
Courtesy: CBS SPorts
Measurables: 5’10” 207lbs.
2015 Statistics: 259 Carries, 1,035 Yards, 13 Touchdowns
Projected Round: 4-5
As the son of former Jacksonville Jaguars Running Back, Fred Taylor, Kelvin Taylor has strong bloodlines. He is a compact Running Back that forces his way through the middle of the line. Though he has limited experience in college, only starting one season, he produced when on the field.
Why He Fits…
Taylor is a down-hill runner that will get the yards in front of him. He can be physical for his size and displays good ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
Biggest Concern…
The injury bug hit Taylor his first couple seasons at Florida, limiting his touches. With only a single season of production, the Philadelphia Eagles must consider whether he was a one-year wonder.
Player Comparison: Kansas City Chiefs’ Spencer Ware
KEITH MARSHALL- GEORGIA
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Measurables: 5’11” 219lbs.
2015 Statistics: 68 Carries, 350 Yards, 3 Touchdowns
Projected Round: 5-7
Once a highly recruited Running Back, Marshall saw limited touches at Georgia due to injuries and those ahead of him on the depth chart. Los Angeles Rams Running Back Todd Gurley left Marshall on the bench for most of his career, before having to play behind Nick Chubb last season. He does have the ideal build and speed to rush the ball in the NFL, while displaying a team-first demeanor.
Why He Fits…
Marshall is one of the fastest players in the entire NFL Draft, running a 4.31 40 yard dash at the combine. Even after serious injuries, he has not lost a step, being able to blow past defenders in the open field.
Biggest Concern:
The injury issue will always be a concern, after suffering a torn ACL in 2013. When healthy, he has contributed but he has never been a workhorse and could be limited on how many touches he can handle.
Player Comparison: Los Angeles Rams’ Bennie Cunningham
