5 best training camp battles for Eagles in 2019

3. Running back 2

Corey Clement vs. Wendell Smallwood vs. Darren Sproles vs. Miles Sanders

On the way to capturing their first-ever Super Bowl title in 2017, the Philadelphia Eagles finished third in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Doug Pederson’s club featured a deep backfield anchored by LeGarrette Blount and eventually, Jay Ajayi (obtained in an October trade with the Dolphins). Those two performers would combine for 1,104 yards on the ground, with Blount leading the way (766). And undrafted rookie Corey Clement finished third on the club with 321 yards and a team-best four rushing touchdowns.

Last offseason, Blount would sign on with the Detroit Lions. Ajayi would play in four of the first five games and would go down with a season-ending knee injury. When it was all said and done, only four teams in the NFL gained fewer yards per game on the ground than the Birds. The lack of balance was costly to the team’s offensive success and the club spent most of the season looking for some consistency in this area.

Hence the team went out and dealt for Chicago Bears’ workhorse Jordan Howard. No longer a fit in Matt Nagy’s offense, he could be just what the doctor ordered in Philadelphia. The three-year pro totaled 250-plus carries in each of his seasons in the Windy City and totaled a combined 3,370 and 24 scores on the ground.

The Eagles used a second-round pick in April on Penn State running back Miles Sanders. He’s been nursing a hamstring injury but is a go for training camp. But the versatile Clement bears a close watch.

Next: No. 2