The Eagles have not drafted a running back in the first-or-second round of the NFL Draft since they took LeSean McCoy with the 53rd overall pick in the 2009.
The result? A huge hole at running back heading into next season.
Signing a free agent running back is certainly an option, but for long-term success at the position, the Eagles are going to need to find some help through the draft. Although this years group isn't considered as strong as past years, there are plenty of players that the Eagles should have their eyes on.
When projecting who might interest the Eagles, two key qualities are the ability to either block or catch the ball out of the back field. To truly make an impact in 2019, a back will either need to already be able to do both or have the abilities to with an offseason of coaching.
Here are 7 running backs that could fit that mold:
Josh Jacobs, Alabama:
Size: 5-foot-10, 216 pounds
2018 Stats: 120 carries, 640 yards, 11 touchdowns…20 catches, 247 yards, 3 touchdowns
Analysis: Jacobs doesn't have outstanding numbers since he split time in a talented Alabama backfield. The result of the split time is both a lack of production and an overall lack of snaps compared to other backs. Jacobs is a tough, physical runner but also has the ability to catch the ball and be a threat in the passing game, as evident by his 12.4 yards-per-catch average last season. Pass blocking is not something he did often in Alabama, but he has the size to do it. Considered the top running back in the draft.
Projected round: 1st
Darrell Henderson, Memphis:
Size: 5-foot-9, 200 pounds
2018 Stats: 214 carries, 1,909 yards, 22 touchdowns…19 catches, 295 yards, 3 touchdowns.
Analysis: Henderson totaled 25 touchdowns in 2018, something that will catch the eyes of an Eagles' front office that values proven production from their draft picks. Has excellent acceleration and is extremely hard to take down in the open field. Will be an immediate threat in the passing game, especially in Doug Pederson' offense. Blocking could be an issue, as he didn't do much of it at Memphis.
Projected round: 3rd-4th
Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M:
Size: 5-foot-9, 200 pounds
2018 Stats: 271 carries, 1,760 yards, 18 touchdowns…27 catches, 278 yards, 1 touchdown
Analysis: Williams should be able to get on the field right away in the NFL because of his ability as a pass blocker. He might step onto the Eagles and be the best pass-blocking running back they have right away. He is a one-cut runner who has breakaway speed. Solid pass-catcher who has the tools to do more in the passing game than he did in college. Slightly undersized, and isn't going to be a short-yardage power back.
Projected round: 5th-6th
Jalin Moore, Appalachian State:
Size: 5-foot-11, 205 pounds
2018 Stats: 63 carries, 400 yards, 6 touchdowns…6 catches, 40 yards, 0 touchdowns
Analysis: An ankle injury ruined what was an incredibly productive college career for Moore, who totaled 22 touchdowns and 2,439 rushing yards combined in 2016 and 2017. The ankle injury is going to hurt his draft stock, but he could be a steal for the Eagles. Moore is an incredibly smart player who is excellent as a blocker, has great hands and is tough to bring down in the open field. His breakaway speed isn't elite, but an average of 6.1 yards-per-carry in college shows how constant and productive he can be.
Projected round: 3rd-4th
Bryce Love, Stanford:
Size: 5-foot-10, 200 pounds
2018 Stats: 166 carries, 739 yards, 6 touchdowns…20 catches, 99 yards, 0 touchdowns
Analysis: Very strong as a pass protector, which will allow him to get on the field early with the Eagles. Breaks a ton of tackles and gets plenty of yards-after-contact. Extremely explosive and is a big-play threat each time he touches the ball. Can contribute on special teams as well. Lack of experience in the passing game could be an issue. Suffered a torn ACL at the end of the season, which is going to hurt his draft stock, but his huge 2017 season — 2,118 yards, 19 touchdowns — shows his potential.
Projected round: 4th-5th
Tony Pollard, Memphis:
Size: 6-foot, 200 pounds
2018 Stats: 78 carries, 552 yards, 6 touchdowns…39 carries, 458 yards, 3 touchdowns
Analysis: Pollard is the best running back/wide receiver hybrid player in the draft, which will likely be extremely intriguing to the Eagles. He is also very explosive on special teams with seven return touchdowns in three seasons. Pollard is a strong route runner, and might project better as a full-time receiver than running back, but can certainly take snaps in the backfield as well. Pollard is a strong blocker as well. Pollard could make an immediate impact in Pederson's offense.
Projected round: 5th-6th
Travis Homer, Miami:
Size: 5-foot-11, 195 pounds
2018 Stats: 164 carries, 985 yards, 4 touchdowns…19 catches, 186 yards, 0 touchdowns
Analysis: Homer should be an instant contributor on any team, as he was a proven three-down back at Miami. Although his receiving stats don't jump off the page, Homer is a strong route runner and has solid hands. He does, however, deal with the occasional drop. Is very elusive in the open field, and can cut-on-a-dime with the best of them in this draft class. The major issue with Homer, however, is his ability to block. He will need major work in that area.
Projected round: 4th-5th
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
