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Three Running Backs The Philadelphia Eagles Must Consider Drafting

By Ryan Quigley

Jan 2, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) runs after a catch during the second half of the 2015 Alamo Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Alamodome. The Bruins won 40-35. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) runs after a catch during the second half of the 2015 Alamo Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Alamodome. The Bruins won 40-35. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia Eagles are probably going to select a running back at some point in this year’s draft, but who should it be?

The Philadelphia Eagles are pretty much out of the running to select Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott and the team is in dire need of a workhorse in the backfield.

Ryan Mathews is injury prone and could possibly be on the trade block. Darren Sproles is pushing 33 years old and has never been built to endure the punishment that comes along with a full-time role. The Eagles are more than likely going to draft a running back in this year’s draft, but who could it be? There are several possibilities.

Paul Perkins, UCLA

Perkins has been labeled a poor man’s Jamaal Charles. Considering Head Coach Doug Pederson coached Charles for three years during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, that may be enough inspiration to bring him to Philadelphia.

Perkins isn’t big and he’s not incredibly fast, but his spacial awareness is second to none and his jump cuts are almost on LeSean McCoy‘s level. He is a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield and could end up being a major contributor to the Eagles’ offense if they chose to draft him in the third round.

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Alex Collins, Arkansas

If the Eagles want more of a physical runner in the draft, Collins may be their best option if he’s available.

Collins runs like a complete lunatic. Like Perkins, he’s not the fastest back, but he weaves through traffic like it’s his job (which, technically, it is). He keeps his pads low to the ground, squares up tacklers and runs right through them. Collins is a bruiser, but he has solid feet as well. He’s not a proven pass-catcher, but his ability on the ground is far too good to ignore.

Collins reminds me of a strange cross between Marshawn Lynch and Jamaal Charles. While he can run you over, he also has very good vision and can make you miss. Collins would fit in the Eagles’ offense beautifully and Philadelphia would not be in the wrong if they selected him in an earlier round.

You can watch some of Collins’ best college highlights here.

Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech

The Eagles do not have a second-round draft pick and Dixon could very well be off the board by round three. However, if the Eagles can get him, they should show no hesitation.

Dixon may be the most relentless runner in this strong class of running backs. He never gives up on a play and can attack you in a multitude of fashions. He has the power to break through tackles and has the vision and shiftiness to create opportunities on his own. Dixon put up consistent numbers at Louisiana Tech, but perhaps his most impressive statistic would be the 87 total touchdowns he scored during his four-year collegiate career. All Dixon does is score touchdowns and the Eagles could certainly use some more of those.

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