Philadelphia Eagles 2019 NFL Draft watch: RB Ryquell Armstead

We’ve looked all over the country for a running back the Philadelphia Eagles might take in the 2019 NFL Draft, and Ryquell Armstead has been in their backyard the whole time.

It’s been a thought of many for a while that the Philadelphia Eagles will wind up taking a running back in the 2019 NFL Draft. Sometimes what you need can be right in front of your face the whole time, and while Philly’s need for a ball carrier may or may not be met with the addition of Temple’s former standout Ryquell Armstead, we can definitely confirm that he’s on the Eagles’ radar.

Who knows when they first figured this out, but seeing as how he’s been playing in the same city as the Philly’s pro football team (and since they intend to host him on a pre-draft visit), we can assume Armstead has worked his way onto their draft board.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein sees him as a potential fourth-round selection who could possibly become a starting running back. He compared him recently to Alex Collins and also had this to say in his draft profile:

"Armstead did not start many games for the Owls over his first three seasons but produced when given his opportunities… Nagging injuries hit him again during his senior season, but he still managed to garner first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors by gaining 1,098 yards and 13 touchdowns on 210 carries (5.2 average) in 10 starts. Armstead sat out Temple’s bowl game in December to nurse an ankle injury and prepare for the NFL Draft."

Here’s more from Zierlein:

"Face-first runner who doesn’t appear to care that brakes come standard with the vehicle. Armstead’s feet fire like pistons from the beginning of the snap all the way through his physical finishes. While he’s not classically elusive, he does find his own yards by slithering through tight quarters or stacking yards after contact. His size, decisiveness and effort in pass protection should land him work as a backup, but his play traits could help him find more carries than expected as a pro."

Here are the numbers. In Indy, during the most recent NFL Combine, Armstead ran a 4.45 40-yard dash. Prior to that, he racked up 2,812 yards rushing on 573 attempts and another 175 yards on 29 receptions during his 46-game collegiate career.

Throw in 34 career rushing touchdowns at the collegiate level for good measure, and you can see why this guy has Philly’s attention. Just imagine him in an Eagles’ backfield that includes Josh Adams, Jordan Howard, Corey Clement, and Wendell Smallwood (who’s been severely underrated), and you can see why he has everybody else’s.

Might Armstead join the Eagles’ nest? Time will tell. The annual selection meeting is right around the corner.