4 Running Backs the Eagles have targeted for the 2018 NFL Draft

With the loss of LeGarrette Blount, which rookie running back will be the third head of the Eagles rushing committee?

The Philadelphia Eagles have kept a ridiculous number of running backs on their squad this past season. Not one, not two, but seven running backs had a spot on the 53-man roster at some point in 2017. But now with three veterans gone, the Eagles have been eyeing up some young talent in the 2018 NFL Draft.

As of right now, the Eagles backfield contains Jay Ajayi as the feature back, with a little mix in of Corey Clement. The second-year veteran Donnel Pumphrey would be fighting for time with the third-year veteran, Wendell Smallwood. Although Smallwood has contributed more than Pumphrey has, all signs point to Smallwood being the odd man out on the team since he was deactivated midway through last season.

Just because Pumphrey might have a slight edge over Smallwood at the moment, doesn’t mean that he automatically takes over the third spot on the depth chart. During last years training camp, the Eagles attempted to turn Pumphrey into a punt returner.

Unfortunately, he struggled in the return game during the preseason, which ultimately led the Eagles to believe he wasn’t ready to play in his rookie season. So they sent him to the injured reserve with no hesitation and no desire to bring him back.

Once again, the Eagles will be on the hunt for a brand new running back. Their ideal guy would have to fit in with the one, two punch that is Ajayi and Clement. After the NFL Combine went down a few weeks ago, which running backs have the Eagles had their eyes on?