Every team does better when the running game is productive. The running game makes a quarterback’s life so much easier. Currently, the Eagles do not have a bell cow running back to lean on. The Eagles should look into drafting a running back with one of their early draft picks this season.
As per stated, a bell cow running back makes the quarterback’s life a lot easier and it completely opens up the offense. There are a couple of really solid running backs in this draft.
Here are five prospects to watch for in the 2017 NFL draft.
1. Dalvin Cook - Florida St., Height 6’0 Weight 205
Cook is the most complete of the bunch. He not only possesses great running vision, but he also possesses very strong receiving ability. Cook is almost like a pocket knife. He has all a lot of different tools he can use to beat you.
During his time at Florida St. , Cook accumulated 5,339 yards from scrimmage, 4,464 of that being rushing. He also scored a total of 48 touchdowns, 46 of those were rushing touchdowns.
Cook is the playmaker the Eagles need. The Eagles can hand the ball off to him on 1st and 2nd down, then throw to him on third down. With Cook, you have to pick your poison. He can burn you running the ball and receiving.
NFL scouting report: (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/dalvin-cook?id=2557991)
2. Leonard Fournette - LSU, Height 6’1, Weight 230
He has been called to best prospect since Adrian Peterson. Fournette is a very hot topic right now.
Fournette, who missed a lot of time this year, still rushed for 843 yards and eight touchdowns. In his career, he rushed for 3,380 yards and 40 touchdowns.
Fournette is a big specimen. Built like a linebacker, Fournette is a rare talent. For his size, he is deceivingly quick. Fournette is a big, strong runner. He is not a player you want to be in front of once he starts to get going.
NFL scouting report: (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/leonard-fournette?id=2557973)
3. Alvin Kamara - Tennessee, Height 5’10, Weight 215
There is a big hype train right now with Kamara, with scouts now saying he can go anywhere from the bottom of the first round to early second.
Kamara had just two seasons at running back for the Vol. In those two years, Kamara racked up 1,294 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He is a great runner of the football, Kamara can make a play out of nothing. He is very good at using his speed to get a good chunk of yards. Although he did not play much, he has everything needed to be a big time player on the next level.
NFL scouting report: (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/alvin-kamara?id=2558019)
4. D’onta Foreman - Texas, Height 6’1, Weight 250
Foreman broke onto the scene this season. After getting the starting job, Foreman has not looked back.
This season, Foreman ran for 2,028 yards and 15 touchdowns. Prior to that, Foreman had just run for 754 yards and five touchdowns.
Like Fournette, Foreman is a big and powerful runner. However, for being as big as he is, Foreman is very elusive and deceptive. He is definitely a player who needs some work, but he has a lot of promise.
NFL scouting report: (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/donta-foreman?id=2557994)
5. Joe Mixon - Oklahoma, Height 6’1, Weight 225
Mixon is a controversial player, but football-wise, he is a player who will help any team in the NFL.
Mixon is a due all back. In his career, he rushed for 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns, along with 894 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.
He hurt himself a lot with his off-field issues, but as a player, he is a game changer. He is an elusive running back and a playmaker receiver. Scouts say on the field, he is very similar to Le’veon Bell.
NFL scouting report: (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/joe-mixon?id=2557976)
Sleepers
1. Kareem Hunt - Toledo, Height 6’0, Weight 225
2. Donnel Pumphrey - San Diego St. , Height 5'9, Weight 180