Is Corey Clement the future workhorse of the Eagles backfield?
Could Corey Clement become the face of the Philadelphia Eagles backfield in the next couple of years?
The Philadelphia Eagles ended 2017-2018 on the highest note possible when they won Super Bowl LII. While quarterback Nick Foles was the MVP when it was over, the decision couldn’t have been easy for the judges. One other player, in particular, had a spectacular game. Former undrafted rookie running back Corey Clement finished his first season the best way possible. He tallied up 100 yards receiving, along with a controversial touchdown catch that went his way on footballs biggest stage last season.
Before Super Bowl LII, Clement wasn’t much of a big name outside of Philadelphia. The former Wisconsin Badger surprisingly went seven rounds in the 2017 NFL Draft without a single call. But fortunately for Clement, he ended up on a team that would know how to utilize him outside of a special teams role.
Before a Darren Sproles ACL tear, Clement wasn’t exactly featured in the Eagles committee of running backs. But once Clement got his chance to shine, he never looked back. And it started as early as the game he was thrown into against the New York Giants in week three where he scored a crucial touchdown to help lead the Eagles to victory.
Clement ended up accounting for 321 yards off of 74 carries. He also racked up ten catches for 123 yards with a total of six touchdowns during the regular season. Not bad for a backfield that was loaded with names like Jay Ajayi, LeGarrette Blount, Kenjon Barner, and Darren Sproles. Now, Clement is heading into his Sophomore season with even more experience and hunger.
Clement’s turning heads… Again:
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Helmet’s only season has approached in the NFL. And the Eagles are getting a good look at who could potentially step up in training camp this summer. While a lot of new names have come up, a few returning players from last season are showing some great progression as well. Markdown Clement as another player that has turned heads during the Eagles spring training.
Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation has described Clement’s game as “so far ahead of where he was at this time last year.” The rise of Clement was expected, but he is really beginning to look like the future of the Eagles backfield. Although he doesn’t possess the ideal size of a workhorse back, the Eagles know just how to use him.
Heading into this season, Clement will most-likely remain as a third-down, and passing down back. With Jay Ajayi still on board, the Eagles have made it known that he will headline the backfield. The uncertain future of Ajayi on the Eagles definitely raises some questions about the future of the running back position, though. Considering the Eagles passed on another set of rookie running backs this year, could they have high hopes for Corey Clement to take the reigns soon?
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Anything can happen, but it is beginning to look like the Eagles are more than confident with Clement’s skillset. It is unknown if Ajayi receives an extension in Philly this year, but even if he does, Clement still remains an essential factor on the Eagles offense. But if Ajayi takes his talents elsewhere in 2019, then the Eagles backfield could be all Clement’s in his third season in the NFL.