Every day leading up to the 2020 NFL draft, we’ll be taking a look at this draft class by position. We’ll highlight a few players who will fit the Eagles and separate them into three categories based on where they’re likely to get drafted.
We already looked at tight ends, receivers and linebackers. Up today: Running backs:
At No. 21
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SIGN UP HERE D’Andre Swift, Georgia, 5-8, 212
I think Swift is the best running back in the draft and I still wouldn’t even consider taking him with the 21st pick. But he’s the only guy in this draft who might warrant consideration in the 20s. Still, the Eagles don’t have a desperate need at the position with Miles Sanders. But whichever team gets Swift is getting a shifty and elusive runner who is dynamic enough as a runner and pass catcher to be an elite playmaker in the NFL.
In the middle
Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin, 5-10, 226
NFL
The Eagles aren’t going to end up with Taylor either. He’ll probably be gone before they pick at 53 and they’re not going to trade up to get him. Heck, they wouldn’t take him with the 53rd pick. But Taylor is a local kid from Salem, N.J. and would be great to pair with Miles Sanders and Boston Scott if he fell three rounds for some reason. He should be a good starter in the NFL. But 926 college carries is a huge workload and something to wonder about.
Zach Moss, Utah, 5-9, 223
There are concerning medical questions about Moss, who has had injuries during his college career, including a troubling knee injury in 2018. Because of that and because of the strange offseason where medical evaluations are harder to perform, maybe he starts slipping. When Moss is healthy, he’s a tough runner who went for over 1,000 yards in each of his last three seasons. But with his injury concerns and his 712 college carries, some teams will want to stay away.
A.J. Dillon, Boston College, 6-0, 247
Dillon is another guy who had a huge workload in college, when he carried the ball 845 times. But there’s plenty to like about him too, starting with his 4.53 time in the 40 at a massing 247 pounds. He’s a prototypical power back and the type of player the Eagles should want to complement Sanders and Boston Scott in their backfield.
Lamical Perine, Florida, 5-10, 216
Another physical runner who doesn’t go down easy and who could become a red zone option in the NFL. But he also has an impressive resume as a pass-catcher; he caught 72 passes for 674 yards in four seasons. A good all-around player, who would be a high floor pick in the mid rounds.
Late-round sleeper(s)
Michael Warren II, Cincinnati, 5-9, 226
You’ve probably noticed a theme here. Big and powerful runners. Warren fits that too. He’s strong and doesn’t go down easy, picking up 33 rushing touchdowns in the last two college seasons. But he also has some ability as a pass catcher and wouldn’t be a tell.
Sewo Olonilua, TCU, 6-2, 232
Olonilua is a pretty good athlete for a player his size and has the ability to carry defenders with him. Another short-yardage option but he’s not limited to that either. Caught 60 passes at TCU.
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