Inside the Iggles
FanSided

NFL Mock Draft 2017: Eagles select cornerback in first round

By Ryan Quigley

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 9
Next
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Alvin Kamara (6) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Alvin Kamara (6) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee

The Eagles currently have a major hole at running back. Ryan Mathews is likely to be released and Darren Sproles will retire following the 2017 season. Would the Eagles really count on Wendell Smallwood to carry the load? Definitely not. The Eagles need a playmaking back and Alvin Kamara certainly fits that bill.

While Kamara didn’t put up eye-popping numbers in college, it’s hard not to love his versatility and explosiveness. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry during his two seasons at Tennessee and also excelled as a receiver. When Sproles retires, Kamara could step in and be the Eagles’ next electrifying back.

Here’s a scouting report on Kamara, courtesy of NFL.com.

"STRENGTHS: Spirited runner with NFL size and speed. Will open creases by varying pace of his runs. Burst to top speed is available at flip of a switch. Creates yardage with speed, wiggle and power. Twitchy and decisive. Strong lower body provides superior balance. Flexible and agile with ability to twist, spin and ricochet off of bodies and continue to gain yards after contact. Very productive; 23 touchdowns in just 284 touches at Tennessee. Well-liked inside program and a team leader. Can play on all three downs. Improved in pass protection and squares up blitzers. Has lined up at slot receiver at times. Sure-handed pass catcher with excellent burst out of breaks to consistently uncover. Has talent as punt returner. WEAKNESSES: Vision can be hit or miss. Not an instinctive runner. Needs to see running lane develop and is missing a feel for reading progressions of his blocks. Makes inconsistent decisions on stretch plays. Can be his own worst enemy on third level. Will run himself into a tackler rather than setting him up for a downfield blocker. Consistently cuts left when given an open-field choice against tackler. With knee injuries in his background, combine medicals could come into play. Needs to tuck ball high and tight to prevent fumbles."

Home/Eagles Draft