Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Thoughts on the Jordan Howard Trade

3. Don’t Rule out the Idea of Drafting a Running Back

Just because the Eagles traded for a running back, doesn’t mean they won’t draft one still. The Eagles did their homework this season when it came to the 2019 rookie class for running backs. They met with almost every prospect, and continue to send their running back’s coach Duce Staley to wherever they need him to go to check out their next potential rookie.

The addition of Howard is great, but no matter what, the Eagles were still expected to draft a back. Now, I wouldn’t expect the Eagles to take Josh Jacobs at pick No. 25 like many speculated, but don’t be surprised if they snag a new running back with one of their two second-rounders, or with a fourth-rounder. There’s plenty of mid-round value in this year’s draft, and it would be shocking to see Howie Roseman and Joe Douglas pass up the opportunity to grab one.

Plus, the Eagles do still need their hybrid, elusive back. Although Clement did a solid job with that role in 2017, his 2018 effort was highly questionable. The Eagles need to keep him honest, and just having Howard might not make them feel secure enough. Also, if Howard doesn’t pan out for the Birds this season and they don’t want to re-sign him, they could roll with their 2019 rookie selection for at least the next three seasons.