Eagles draft outlook: Running back
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Eagles draft outlook: Running back
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
I'm taking a look at a different position every day, leading up to next Thursday's draft.
Yesterday was the quarterbacks. Today, let's talk running backs.
On the roster: The Birds have three tailbacks and two fullbacks currently on the roster.
LeSean McCoy is coming off a breakout season in 2010 in which he averaged 5.2 yards per carry (fourth-highest among running backs) and totaled 1,672 rushing/receiving yards.
Jerome Harrison averaged 6.0 yards per carry in limited action, and looked like the complement/backup to McCoy that the Eagles had been searching for.
Eldra Buckley has value on special teams, but doesn't figure to play much of a role beyond that.
And the fullback picture is a little cloudy with Leonard Weaver trying to return from injury. If he's not ready, the Birds have Owen Schmitt, who did a decent job last year as a blocker, even though he is not the ball-carrying option that Weaver was.
Contract situations: This is where things get a little tricky, depending on what happens with the labor situation. McCoy is on his rookie deal and is signed through 2012. Considering he will only be 23 at the start of next season, the Eagles could look to extend him during or after next season, depending on the league rules that are put into place.
The key here, in terms of the draft outlook, is Harrison. If the league operated under last year's rules, Harrison would be back. He's a restricted free agent and was tendered at a second-round level. Would a team be willing to give up a second-round pick to steal him away? I don't think so.
But there's the possibility that Harrison would become an unrestricted free agent with new league rules. After coming over from Cleveland (if you take away Week 17 against the Cowboys when many of the starters sat), Harrison carried just 20 times in the eight games he was active. At 28 years old, chances are he's looking for a larger role.
The Eagles tendered Buckley as an exclusive-rights free agent, meaning he should be back. Schmitt is signed through 2011, and Weaver is signed through 2012.
Draft history: The Eagles have taken nine running backs in 12 drafts sincy Andy Reid became the head coach: Thomas Hammer (6th round, 171st overall) in 2000; Correll Buckhalter (4th round, 121st overall) in 2001; Brian Westbrook (3rd round, 91st overall) in 2002; Bruce Perry (7th round, 242nd overall) in 2004; Ryan Moats (3rd round, 77th overall) in 2005; Tony Hunt (3rd round, 90th overall) in 2007; Nate Iloa (7th round, 236th overall) in 2007; LeSean McCoy (2nd round, 53rd overall) in 2009; and Charles Scott (6th round, 200th overall) in 2010.
The only running back the Eagles selected prior to the third round was McCoy. And four of the nine backs were sixth- or seventh-round picks. The only years in which the Birds did not select a running back were 1999, 2003, 2006 and 2008.
Workouts/visits: The Birds have reportedly taken a look at the following running backs: USC's Allen Bradford, Hawaii's Alex Green, Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter, Eastern Washington's Taiwan Jones, Oklahoma's DeMarco Murray and Kansas State's Daniel Thomas.
How I see it: Last season, 22 of the 32 teams in the league had two running backs carry the ball at least 80 times. The Eagles were one of the 10 that did not. Part of that had to do with play selection, part had to do with Michael Vick's running ability, and part had to do with McCoy's effectiveness (no reason to take him off the field).
But going forward, there's no question the Eagles would like to have a good, trustworthy No. 2 back. Even if he doesn't get a lot of touches, he'd provide insurance in the event that McCoy got injured. With Harrison's future here in limbo, look for the Birds to draft a tailback - maybe not in the early rounds, but at some point.
And don't sleep on fullback either. While everyone in the organization is undoubtedly rooting for Weaver, there's no telling when/if he'll be able to return. As I said earlier, Schmitt was decent, but the Birds could certainly take a fullback in the later rounds and create some competition at that spot.
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I don't think the Eagles can afford to "waste" a pick on a RB this draft. I'm sure a capable veteran RB will shake loose and be reasonably signed. Basically, looking for the 2011 version of Jerome Harrison. Otherwise, their picks will be better spent on both lines and defense.- Trade one of their dozen 6th round picks to get a proven veteran or backup. If they try to get one late in the draft, they could end up with Tony Hunt or Charles Scott again, and no one wants that.
- Billi - how is a RB pick a "waste?" They need depth at the position. People screamed when they drafted Westbrook that we already had two good backs - Buck and Duce. How did that pick work out? If they like someone in the second or third round at RB, grab him!— dragoon6
- Figure out how to keep Harrison, he is better then any late round R.B. in the draft. Way to many needs elsewhere to take one early, but that's exactly why they will!— yourdaddy!
C'mon, Schmitt was a little better than "decent". And I agree with the above statement, find out a way to keep Harrison. He's starting material, and apparently a good fit.— phillychaos- Linemen and defense should be our priority. If a RB gem shows up, take him, of course. But the focus needs to stay on the defense and the lines.— dlscholt
- Keep Schmitt and release LenTard Weaver, he'd probably prefer to be free anyway!— younged
- Jerome Harrison is a Very loyal person by nature....Given a decent contract, I can't imagine him leaving Philly...and I have followed the guy his whole career....There is no better RB in the draft ...When the Eagles realize he is a good red zone player and dispite his size or because of it runs very well inside...I think they will find sufficent carries for him.....most NFL teams function well with two chief Ball carries.....Yes McCoy will be the Guy but as we Turn Vick into a Real QB ...Some of those Carries he is taking now can go to Harrison. I would like to see Harrison get 12 to 15 touches and McCoy get around 20...— Bigmike 34
- Vai Taua!!— IdahoMoose
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