Posted: Friday, April 1, 2011, 1:59 PM | 14 comments |
 

Eagles check out RB prospects
options
 

If Jerome Harrison is allowed to walk via free agency this offseason, the Eagles will be in the market for a backup running back.

And that need could get filled during April's draft.

Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones is expected to work out for the Eagles, according to Adam Caplan of FoxSports.com.

Jones (6-0, 194) drew high praise from draft analyst Mike Mayock during a chat this week.

"He’s 194 pounds and I think he’s going to run 4.35 or better," Mayock said. "He’s a home-run hitter who can impact the return game and I think that you try to get him another 10 touches per game as a change-of-pace back."

According to Pro Football Talk, Jones is expected to be a second- or third-round pick and has drawn comparisons to Brian Westbrook. He did not work out at the combine because of an injury.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are expected to get a visit from Hawaii running back Alex Green, his agent tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.

Green (6-0, 225) piled up 1,199 yards last season, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. He scored 18 touchdowns on the ground and also had 27 catches for 363 yards.

Getting back to the Eagles' running back situation, Harrison is a restricted free agent, who was tendered at the second-round level. Under last year's rules, he would almost certainly be back with the Eagles. But if there is a new CBA, he could become an unrestricted free agent and go elsewhere.

The only other running back on the Eagles' roster is Eldra Buckley.

You can follow Moving the Chains on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for even more Birds coverage, including app-exclusive videos and analysis. Get it here.
Posted by Sheil Kapadia @ 1:59 PM  Permalink | 14 comments
14
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:21 PM, 04/01/2011
    Using 2nd or 3rd round pick on a back up running back would be nuts.
    — quentin1978
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:34 PM, 04/01/2011
    Keep Harrison.
    — armchairGM
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:19 PM, 04/01/2011
    Weaver can also play tailback, if he returns healthy.
    — Paul SoTX
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:06 PM, 04/01/2011
    Keep Harrison... kohnnyu
    — john ullman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:28 PM, 04/01/2011
    Weaver's knee won't be fit for a rough touch league, let alone the rigors of the NFL.
    — somertonspartan
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:03 PM, 04/01/2011
    We're good at RB.
    — Joe at the shore
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:15 PM, 04/01/2011
    We already have a Westbrook type running back.
    — ej610
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:35 PM, 04/01/2011
    keep Harrison, johnnyu
    — john ullman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:44 PM, 04/01/2011
    waste of time
    — shawnmac
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:50 PM, 04/01/2011
    I would'ot care who is in your back field, 6-0, 194lbs and 4.35 is worth a look.



    — Dexter
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:28 PM, 04/02/2011
    Good point.
    — wordsword
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:49 AM, 04/03/2011
    If Taiwan Jones is there in the 3rd round, take him. He runs with power and is elusive. He is rarely tackled by the first defender and he can catch the ball. There are a lot of good RBs in this draft, maybe the new O-line coach (Mudd) can get a run game going. This years draft class is weak. Two areas where it is strong are D-line and running backs. Take the best quality players in the draft you can get, and fill needs in free agency when the CBA is settled. Check out Taiwan Jones's highlights on You Tube. The kid played at Eastern Washington, so granted, the competition wasn't all that great, but look at the physical skills and mental approach. He likes running over corners and safeties, he doesn't run out of bounds to avoid contact, he stays in bounds, fights for every yard and punishes people who try to tackle him.
    — cletisvandam
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:45 PM, 04/04/2011
    draft Damien Berry from DA U !
    — new2vero2


14 comments
About Sheil Kapadia
Sheil Kapadia is in his fourth season writing about the Eagles and the NFL for philly.com. His earliest memories as a sports fan include several trips to Veterans Stadium with his Dad. He's not a beat writer or an Insider, but is here to discuss the NFL 365 days a year. E-mail him at skapadia@philly.com or by clicking here

Follow Sheil on Twitter. And become a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.

Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for even more Birds coverage, including app-exclusive videos and analysis. Download it here.

Advertise Here
FOOTBALL NEWS FROM PHILLY.COM
Castillo focuses on good start
Don't expect one style for Eagles' corners
Bowles might be best defensive hire
Caldwell brings his wisdom back to Eagles
IFL team cuts T.O. for 'lack of effort'
 
Asante announces arrival
Kolb settles in Arizona
Zordich expected Eagles to add a safety
Moving the Chains: Reducing Vick's batted balls
Eagletarian: Castillo turning the page
Latest Eagles Videos