National Football League

The Eagles Need To Spend A Top 100 Pick On A Running Back

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:15 p.m. ET

Fansided, Matt Giraldi/FanSided via Inside the Iggles

The Philadelphia Eagles have roster holes everywhere. Running back, is one of those problem locations. A big enough problem that should be addressed in their first three picks.

It was easy for Philadelphia Eagles fans to focus on the MVP candidates Tom Brady and Matt Ryan during the Super Bowl. Did anyone notice the performance of Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, and James White? If you did, you realized that a backfield that contributes to it’s offensive success often wins the game.

On the other hand, when a running back fails to contribute, everything is in shambles. Eagles fans can relate. After all, it was Ryan Mathews‘ fumble that cost the Eagles an opportunity to go 4-0 in 2016. During the five game losing streak in November and December, the Eagles as a team failed to eclipse 115 rushing yards four times.

In the current NFL landscape, it’s easy to point out that running backs aren’t needed in the same manner as years past. A prime example is that the New England Patriots as a team didn’t have 100 or more rushing yards in nine games last season, but won seven of them. It’s also important to note that half of the 1,000 yard rushers (six) this season were on playoff teams. The Patriots also have that guy named Tom Brady at quarterback. Sometimes, you don’t need a great running back when you have the great(est) quarterback.

Decisions need to be made on Mathews and teammate Darren Sproles. Releasing both players could save the team close to $10 million in salary cap. The lack of depth at the position however would make running back a priority.

In case you haven’t heard though, the draft happens to have a lot of good young running backs available. There is enough depth at the position to be patient. This would be a blessing for the Eagles, considering they have several holes to plug.

Despite the depth this draft affords teams, the Eagles would be remiss if they passed on the position again. Over the last ten years, the Eagles have drafted a running back in the first 100 picks just twice (LeSean McCoy and Tony Hunt). In that time span, McCoy had four 1,000 yard seasons. The team made the playoffs in two of those seasons.

One of the trendiest mock draft picks thus far has been for the Eagles to select Florida State running back Dalvin Cook. Cook can be a weapon as a runner and a receiver. His propensity for fumbles and a questionable shoulder injury are cause for concern however.

While Cook’s versatility in the passing game would be appealing, we need to remember that the team did invest a fifth round pick in Wendell Smallwood. Perhaps more importantly, this current regime invested that pick in Smallwood. Given the similarities in their roles, it would make more sense for the team to get a bruising running back. While a fifth rounder isn’t a lock to hold a starting role, Smallwood looked good in limited playing time last year.

Look no further than a player such as D’Onta Foreman from Texas. The winner of the Doak Walker Award is beginning to get notice from the draft community, and for good reason. Foreman, despite this prestigious award, is projected to be drafted in the second round. The 43rd overall pick, the Eagles’ second rounder, would likely put the Eagles in a spot to draft Foreman, or move up to get him.

Another running back that could be appealing is Clemson’s Wayne Gallman. Unlike Foreman, Gallman could stand to gain some weight in the pros. However, Gallman features a similar mean-streak when running downhill. Another option could be Joe Mixon. Prior transgressions aside, Jeffrey Lurie has shown a history of rehabilitating players. Mixon’s talent is undeniable. He’s arguably the biggest offensive weapon in the draft. It’s the off-field stuff that should, and will, cause trepidation.

One thing is for certain: The Eagles need help at running back and free agency is not going to be the answer. The 2017 draft class might be one of the best chances for this team to build an offensive nucleus for Carson Wentz. In order to keep him upright, the team needs a dependable running attack. However Howie Roseman, Lurie, and Doug Pederson want to address that is fine with me, as long as it’s addressed early.