The Eagles may be struggling to find snug fits at wide receiver position, but it seems they may have struck gold with their rejuivinated backfield. The Eagles wanted a young running back that would be cost-effective for the next 4 years but also be a playmaker in an offense that has struggled with finding consistency in the backfield. Miles Sanders was taken in the second round of last year’s draft for this very reason.
Howie Roseman invested a sixth-round conditional pick in veteran RB Jordan Howard over the offseason before drafting Sanders. It was an injury to Howard that led to the Miles Sanders and Boston Scott breakout, but what will the running back room look like for 2020? Let’s take a very early look.
Miles Sanders
The rookie running back will be entering his sophomore campaign with all of the expectations in the world. Unfortunately, he ended the season with an MCL Sprain that was announced after the loss to the Seahawks. But how impressive is it that Sanders toughed it out to help his team?
Sanders will be good to go for OTA’s and the injury won’t require surgery so the outlook for his sophomore season is still as bright as ever. The rookie finished his first season as the top back for the Eagles with 818 rushing yards, 509 receiving yards, 6 total touchdowns. That’s 1,327 scrimmage yards for the Penn State product, who many have still left out as one of the top rookies of 2019.
With a full season under his belt, Sanders may be the franchise running back for years to come. His quick growth in his vision and decision-making shows how much he values his craft, and his tough mentality to will his team to victory will make him one of the top backs in the league for years to come.
Boston Scott
Boston Scott received nothing but high praise from the coaches in the offseason but for some reason he was still placed on the back burner due to the return of Sproles. He made them eat their words by showing out against the division rival, New York Giants, twice this year.
The L.A tech product proved just how well he compliments Sanders in the backfield and in the receiving game. Scott will be a huge part of the running game for as long as the Eagles can keep him. Boston finished the season with 449 total yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. There’s no doubt that baby-Sproles has guaranteed his roster spot on the team for next year. The question is more so if the Eagles coaching staff will place him as RB2 or RB3.
Jordan Howard (Free Agent)
Howard’s possible departure is breaking the hearts of certain Eagles fans, but the fact of the matter is that Howard deserves to be an RB1. Unfortunately, it won’t be here in Philly because of the quick growth of Miles Sanders.
Howard has been one of the most effective runners in the game for the last four years and will demand what he’s valued at. A lot of teams may steer clear from Howard due to the tread on his body, but one team is sure to pay top dollar for his services. Howard was an effective back for the Eagles this season as he rushed for 525 yards in 10 games with the Eagles while averaging 4.4 yards per carry and 6 touchdowns.
There is a chance that Howard would want to re-sign with the Eagles on a cheaper deal in order to stay wit the organization, accepting a ‘Blount-like role’ in order to do so, but just how likely is that?
Corey Clement (Restricted Free Agent)
Clement has been healthy for the Eagles since 2018. The former undrafted rookie had a stellar 2017 campaign with the Eagles in their legendary Super bBwl run. Since then, however, he just hasn’t looked the same.
The Eagles brass may find a way to keep him on a one year prove it deal but if he demands more than that then his return may be unlikely. Clement has 895 total yards in his whole career with the birds and his catching ability has been a valuable part of his game. He could be a budget option to replace Jordan Howard, health permitting.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
