Following Chris Polk’s departure to the Texans, Chip Kelly stated that should Polk have stayed onboard, then he would have taken four running backs and three tight ends, meaning that there is a spot in the backfield up for grabs.
In his previous two seasons, Kelly has selected three tight ends, but there’s no real contender for a fourth tight end, or need for one Brent Celek, Zach Ertz and Trey Burton have the game locked down, it would all depend on if Kelly regarded Eric Tomlinson or Gleichart as ready and crucial to the lineup. I think he would rather bring in a speedy running back however.
But, there aren’t really many exciting options there either…or are there? It would come down to a choice between Matthew Tucker, Raheem Mostert and former Oregon running back Kenjon Barner.
The Eagles picked Barner up from the Panthers in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in last years offseason. Whilst under the radar, he suffered an ankle injury in the final game of pre-season, seeing him waived. The 25-year-old was sent to the practice squad before signing his future to the team at the end of last season.
The problem for Barner is the backfield is currently extremely crowded. DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles, will be taking full rotation of reps it appears, Barner is no stranger to this situation.
The running back found himself competing with up to four guys at once back in his college days, including NFL Running Back LeGarette Blount. But despite this, during his last year at Oregon, he racked up over 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns. Following a year of limited action in Carolina, Kelly picked him up and brought him back under his reign.
Barner had a starring role for Kelly during their last year at Oregon, racking up over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 23 touchdowns in 2012. He was drafted in the sixth round by the Panthers the following season but saw limited action his rookie year. Kelly acquired him the following summer. Whilst his career hasn’t gotten off to a fantastic start, he may well have a huge opportunity ahead of him when team action gets back underway shortly. The question is, will he be named in the 53 man roster?
