Eagles: Questions about the depth chart at running back
The Eagles have some talent in the backfield, but there’s still uncertainty about the future at the position.
Does Darren Sproles have the best chance to be the top running back on the Philadelphia Eagles‘ depth chart heading into 2017? He was once one of the most lethal backs in the game, but this will also be his final season. Behind him, there’s Wendell Smallwood and Donnel Pumphrey. Smallwood is still unproven, and there are questions about how much of an impact Pumphrey will have. The Eagles don’t appear to have a clear favorite, and names like Jeremy Hill and Mark Ingram are floating around. Both could be available for a modest price.
What about Mathews?
This one’s easy. Don’t expect to see Ryan Mathews competing for the starting job in training camp. There hasn’t been much coverage about his rehabilitation, and all we know is it’s been an injury-plagued career for this guy. Each setback has overshadowed a few splashes of greatness. If he could stay healthy, he’d be the number one back, but as it is, injuries have handicapped him.
Here’s a thought
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The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Joe Mixon in the second round, and that suggests they didn’t believe they had anyone on the roster they believed in. There’s a possibility Hill could slip to third on their depth chart, so the Eagles could leverage a pretty modest deal for his services. Hill could be a great fit as he may be one of the more underrated ball carriers in the league, but he’s got a nose for the end zone and his hands are better than advertised.
Do we know what lies ahead?
It’s too early to have concrete expectations for the season. Pumprhey set the world on fire in college. He could, very well, come in and blow everyone away. Smallwood could do the same, or both could split the workload with Sproles. What’s promising is the Eagles have upgraded at wide receiver and quarterback Carson Wentz should scare teams enough with his arm and scrambling ability. That prevents teams from loading the box. Initially, fans should expect to see a split in reps. Most should go to Sproles. The second spot on the depth chart will be decided by whoever performs.