Despite plenty of speculation and another unpredictable start, the Eagles stood firm with their pair of second-round picks, stacking up on skill positions.
It’s scary to think the Eagles changed stance so quickly. A team previously so reluctant to draft skill-position players early, have now taken a running back in the second round or below for the first time since LeSean McCoy and a potential future WR1 for the second round in the first time since…it’s been a while.
Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State
Philadelphia has been rumored to be in love with the Penn State running back for quite some time now in what’s become a poorly kept secret. Sanders fell into the Eagles’ laps at 53 and has shown flashes of an all-round back at the next level and could make for a fantastic compliment to Jordan Howard in his rookie season.
If the Eagles want a back that truly resembles what LeSean McCoy used to bring to the table, my unpopular opinion here is Sanders has the ability to cut, in buckets. He has a real spring in his step and bounces out of his cuts so smoothly, it’s impossible to stop him once he jukes and blows past a defender. He drops his hips well and is a real finesse runner.
Sanders spent much of his career with the Nittany Lions basking in the light of Saquon Barkley and after finally getting his shot in the big time, provided enough of a sample size to earn himself a second-round grade. Tallying 1,274 yards on 220 attempts, Sanders showcased his acceleration and ability to be a home-run hit.
The Eagles did a great job of adding some short-term backfield stability by trading for Jordan Howard. They did a great job of finally adding long-term stability, by drafting a man who not only stacks up as his perfect running-mate, but a back who could one day take the reins for his own.
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Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
