Eagles: Corey Clement puts other young running backs on notice.
Undrafted free agent Corey Clement is putting other young Eagles running back in check.
The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up the 2017 NFL Draft with Donnel Pumphrey being the only running back they drafted. Many in the fan base were confused as to why the Eagles walked away with yet another undersized running back. Hours after the draft ended, it was announced that the Eagles would be singing former Wisconsin running back Corey Clement.
Clement is a five-foot-ten, 220 pound running back who failed to get drafted solely because of his alleged ‘character issues’. With an increase in maturity and a hunger to make the team, Clement has easily been the most consistent back on the team this preseason. If he can continue to build on his momentum, there would be no real reason for the Eagles to let Clement go.
Two down, two to go…
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Clement has been very solid, but he still hasn’t made this team yet. Every single carry he gets will have to be his best carry. The Eagles are guaranteed to keep LeGarrette Blount and Darren Sproles on the active roster. This leaves Clement, Pumphrey and Wendell Smallwood in a battle just to make the team.
So far everything has been in Clement’s favor. Smallwood has been injured the last couple of weeks and has yet to see the field. Pumphrey has struggled to meet expectations in both the backfield and on special teams. Pumphrey had the advantage over Clement because he’s expected to be utilized on special teams, but so far, he hasn’t proved much.
The numbers and expectations:
Over the last two games, Clement has 15 carries for 47 yards and one touchdown. Sure, he’s playing against backups, but keep in mind that he is also playing with backups. When the Eagles have a healthy offensive line, the sky will be the limit for the running game. There is no question that Clement could put up some decent numbers behind a first-string offensive line.
Next: 15 Things learned from the second preseason game
These next two preseason games could define the future of Clement. As Pumphrey keeps regressing and Smallwood sits out, Clement will prove himself to be the most reliable candidate to join the Blount and Sproles running committee. Clement’s undrafted mindset could be what motivates him to win a spot on this roster. The other two young guys need to realize that no roster spot is guaranteed in the NFL. Look out guys, because Clement is coming.