Philadelphia Eagles Post-Combine 7-Round Mock Draft

Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma

The greatest runner in Sooners history was Adrian Peterson. Then Samaje Perine happened.

In just three years at Oklahoma, Perine ran for 4,122 yards and 49 touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt. Perine is a downhill runner with the strength of a full-grown bear. He managed 30 reps on the bench press at the combine. The Eagles haven’t had a physical runner like Perine since Duce Staley was in the backfield. With Ryan Mathews likely on his way out of Philadelphia, the Eagles will need to draft a running back who can play a significant role in 2017. Perine would be a logical candidate.

Here is a scouting report on Perine, courtesy of NFL.com:

"STRENGTHS: Has build and toughness to handle a heavy workload if called on. Gets a deep press off line of scrimmage before making his cut. Able to fit into the crevices between the tackles and come out the other side. Very powerful through his hips and thighs. Creates for himself with power. Arm tacklers won’t like the results. Drives through initial contact and continues to churn out additional yardage. Pad level is always where it is supposed to be. Delivers a message when he finishes runs. Short yardage winner and doesn’t have much wasted motion as a runner. Decisive in his downhill charge but does so with quality vision. Not a typical third down option, but has the soft hands out of backfield to be a solid screen and check-down option. WEAKNESSES: All bully with very little ballerina as a runner. Lacks loose hips to make sudden lateral escapes or take advantage of a late opening. Doesn’t have the big burst to jet from first to third level. Low-knee action keeps his lower body covered with hands and tackle attempts. Has prolonged gear-down to make open field cuts. Needs a clear path early in the rep. Missing restart quickness when slowed by initial defender. Play speed is very average. Could have troubles getting to the edge against NFL speed. Has had ankle injuries in past that could require additional scrutiny at the combine. All bully with very little ballerina as a runner. Lacks loose hips to make sudden lateral escapes or take advantage of a late opening. Doesn’t have the big burst to jet from first to third level. Low-knee action keeps his lower body covered with hands and tackle attempts. Has prolonged gear-down to make open field cuts. Needs a clear path early in the rep. Missing restart quickness when slowed by initial defender. Play speed is very average. Could have troubles getting to the edge against NFL speed. Has had ankle injuries in past that could require additional scrutiny at the combine."