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2019 NFL Draft: Will the Eagles grab their next franchise running back?

By Geoffrey Knox

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 09: Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Carson Wentz (11) looks over the defense during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys on December 9, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 09: Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Carson Wentz (11) looks over the defense during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys on December 9, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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With three picks in the top 60, the Philadelphia Eagles are ready to add more youth and depth to one of the league’s loaded rosters.

The Philadelphia Eagles have every reason to expect another Super Bowl run in 2019, even if they’ve lost their ultimate security blanket in Nick Foles.

Carson Wentz is the face of the franchise and, as long as he can stay healthy, the Eagles are one of the league’s top teams with three picks in the first two rounds of the 2019 draft to add even more talent and depth.

State Of The Team

Contending. In 2019, Philly will welcome back one of the best playmakers this franchise has ever seen in DeSean Jackson. Then there’s “the franchise.”  Everyone with short-term memory loss seems to have forgotten Carson Wentz was a legitimate MVP candidate in 2017. Also, when they mention last season’s struggles, rarely do people mention he had a broken bone in his back. Wentz will be at 100 percent and the Eagles will be right back in the hunt as one of the NFC’s best teams. Verdict: Place Philly in the category of being contenders for another NFC crown.

Total Draft Picks

The Eagles enter the draft with seven picks, including three in the first two rounds.

  • Round 1 (No. 25 overall)
  • Round 2 (No. 53 overall)
  • Round 2 (No. 57 overall)
  • Round 4 (No. 127 overall)
  • Round 4 (No. 138 overall)
  • Round 5 (No. 163 overall)
  • Round 6 (No. 198 overall)

Top 3 Draft Needs

Running Back: We’ve long heard the argument that unless there’s a can’t-miss prospect, you don’t take running backs early in the draft. The Eagles’ reason for doing so, if that is indeed what they are thinking, is they are as close as you can get to being desperate at the position.

Over the past two seasons, they’ve added Josh Adams and Corey Clement as undrafted free agents. Then there’s Wendell Smallwood, who just keeps finding a way to hang around, along with Boston Scott. Donnel Pumphrey is signed to a futures/reserve contract, and so far, the Eagles have done nothing in the way of adding a running back during free agency. If there was ever a time that the Birds needed to use an early draft pick on a ball carrier, this would be that time.

Guard/Center: Jason Kelce is the only center on the Eagles’ roster. Brandon Brooks is a stud at guard. That leaves an unproven Matt Pryor as the only reserve most of us would recognize without using a Google search and the versatile Isaac Seumalo, who can play guard but would be kicked inside to center if anything was to happen to Kelce. Depth has played a part in team success before. Injuries are a part of the game. Philly may want to go with some beef to give themselves some options if anything were to happen.

Defensive Front: LB Jordan Hicks is gone, LB/DE L.J. Fort inked a three-year deal when the free agency period began, and Nigel Bradham’s deal was re-worked this offseason as well. With all due respect to Kamu Grugier-Hill, no one thinks he’s the second coming of Ray Lewis, so unless Philly plans on using the dime package as a base set, they may want to look at adding another interior lineman.

At this point, its safe to say that no one knows what Josh Sweat will become. Derek Barnett will be returning from injury in 2019, and Chris Long isn’t sure he still wants to play. After inking a well-deserved extension in the offseason, Brandon Graham is happy. Michael Bennett left shortly thereafter via trade. The Eagles added Malik Jackson this offseason to give Fletcher Cox some help, but Bruce Hector and Treyvon Hester aren’t really long-term solutions.

Top 3 Draft Targets

Decision Maker (Or Who To Blame If Things Go Wrong)

Throughout their history, the Eagles have nailed a few draft picks, and they’ve stunk the room up. That happens, but now, they seemed to have righted the ship. Philly’s draft process is overseen by their vice president of player personnel, Joe Douglas, and their executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman. Eagles head coach Doug Pederson is equally involved as both Roseman and Douglas have stated on several occasions that coach is consulted about each prospect and who he feels might be a fit.

Best/Worst Pick In Current Draft Slot

Historically, who was the best pick and the worst pick based on where the team is currently picking. 

Best Pick: Jermane Mayberry, OL, No. 25 in 1996 NFL Draft

Mayberry started 96 games for the Eagles over the course of nine seasons with the team, including a Pro Bowl appearance in 2002.

Worst Pick: Freddie Mitchell, WR, No. 25 in 2001 NFL Draft

Despite hauling in one of the greatest catches in team history, Mitchell might have been one of the worst picks in Eagles history, and Philly probably should have gone another route with that one. Future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Reggie Wayne and Chad Johnson were both still on the board.

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