Philadelphia Eagles: Biggest mistake would be to draft or trade for running back
The Philadelphia Eagles will head into the 2017 NFL Draft with the same goal as the other 31 teams– to improve. But where do they need the help? During the season and before Free Agency hit many believed it would be to upgrade an awful WR core. However, after a couple of great signings in Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith the team is no longer in need of a player like Mike Williams from Clemson.
The talk has now been geared towards a running back but why?
Last season the Eagles averaged 113 yards per game which would’ve been higher if it was not for suspensions and injuries to their offensive line. So why should the team spend a pick on another back? Ryan Mathews led the team with 155 attempts for 661 yards and 8 touchdowns. When Mathews wasn’t taking handoffs from Carson Wentz there was Darren Sproles (94-438) and Wendell Smallwood (77-317). Granted, those are not Ezekiel Elliott numbers but each back gained over 4 yards per carry.
[Mark]The running game is just fine. Sproles may be getting up there in years but a replacement is not needed just yet. There is no need to take a back this year nor is there a need to take a gamble on the likes of Jamaal Charles or Adrian Peterson.
One area that did hurt the team was the lack of a reliable receiving core. If a team can pass the ball then they will be able to run the ball effectively as well. There will be no more stacking the box with 8 defenders which should open lanes for each back to maintain their yards per carry.
Instead of adding to the crowded backfield the Eagles should take a player who can help in the secondary. It’s been a while since we could say the Eagles are solid on offense, however, that seems to be the case heading into the Draft.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
