As the 2022 NFL Draft nears, we’re taking a look at every position on both sides of the ball to find some options for the Eagles throughout the three-day event. We kicked it off with QBs. Up today: RBs.
The Eagles will bring back Miles Sanders, Boston Scott and Kenny Gainwell for the 2022 season but could use another addition.
Last year, the Eagles used a fifth-round pick on Gainwell and the Memphis product contributed right away in his rookie season. It would make sense for the Eagles to go after a tough inside runner to replace Jordan Howard.
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Even after the Eagles’ trade with the Saints, they still have two first-round picks and 10 total:
1-15 (from Miami)
1-18 (from New Orleans)
2-51
3-83
3-101 (from New Orleans)
4-124
5-154 (from Washington)
5-162
5-166 (from Arizona)
7-237 (from New Orleans)
Here are some running back options throughout the draft:
In first round
NFL
N/a.
Maybe Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker sneak into the first round but it’s very hard to imagine the Eagles drafting one of them.
In the middle rounds
James Cook, Georgia (5-11, 199): The younger brother of Dalvin, James Cook was a part-time starter for the Bulldogs but offers plenty of attributes teams will like early on Day 3. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry in college and caught 27 passes for 284 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2021.
Brian Robinson Jr., Alabama (6-2, 225): Robinson started 14 games in 2021 and had a very productive season, going for over 1,300 yards with 14 touchdowns. He’s the type of big power runner the Eagles could use.
Dameon Pierce, Florida (5-10, 218): A rotational back at Florida, Pierce wasn’t overused during his college career and has a well-built compact frame made for the NFL. Pierce had 13 touchdowns on the ground in 2021 to lead the Gators. He was impressive at the Senior Bowl and has some potential as a change-of-pace guy early in his career. His legs churn.
Hassan Haskins, Michigan (6-2, 228): He’s not a great athlete but he is a battering ram as his 20 rushing touchdowns in 2021 suggest. Not a natural pass catcher but did manage to catch 18 balls last season. He’ll be a rotational power back in the NFL.
Late-round sleeper(s)
ZaQuandre White, South Carolina (6-0, 215): The former Florida State player was a JUCO bounce back and then ended up with the Gamecocks. In 2021, he had 88 carries for 583 yards (6.6) and caught 19 passes for 202 yards. White is fun to watch with his lateral movement and cut-back style.
Isaih Pacheco, Rutgers (5-10, 216): The Vineland, New Jersey, native impressed at the combine by running a 4.37 and then he benched 27 times at his pro day. So for a late-round pick with that speed/power combination, the Eagles could do much worse.
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