Philadelphia Eagles: An argument for Adrian Killins making their roster

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on as they take on the Houston Texans during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on as they take on the Houston Texans during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Adrian Killins Jr. #9 (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
Adrian Killins Jr. #9 (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

Will Adrian Killins Jr make the Philadelphia Eagles roster?

One of the most intriguing position battles to watch in Philadelphia Eagles training camp and during the preseason will be the competition for what might be the fourth running back spot. Speculation around adding a veteran has died down, and though there are ideas about who will earn the job, everyone’s going to get their shot.

We’ve seen the Eagles go deep into their running back depth chart in recent seasons and it’s paid off big time. In 2017, Corey Clement was an undrafted free agent who barely made the cut. He finished the season with 493 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns and had 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in Philly’s first-ever Super Bowl win.

In 2018, Josh Adams didn’t even make the initial roster but got promoted from the practice squad a few weeks into the season. Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, and Darren Sproles all went down with injuries that year and Adams became the lead back, rushing for 511 yards and three touchdowns on 120 carries in 14 games with five starts. He also added 58 receiving yards on seven catches.

Boston Scott was the unexpected hero of the most recent season. Like Adams, he didn’t make the Eagles initial roster and wasn’t promoted to the active unit until mid-October. We didn’t get an extended look at him until week 14 versus the New York Giants where he helped save the season with 128 total yards and a touchdown on 16 touches. A few weeks later, we saw him become the ‘Giant Slayer’ once again with 138 total yards and three touchdowns on 23 touches to help the “Birds” clinch the division in New York.

Needless to say, it’s clear that depth at the running back position has been huge for the Eagles in recent seasons. Without the front office bringing in the right guys and the coaches preparing them for action, the last few seasons could have played out differently.

In 2020, it feels like three guys are all vying for one spot on the roster, Adrian Killins Jr could have the edge in terms of big-play ability. Clement, Adams, and Scott are all expected to earn spots, and all three provide their own spark, but Killins could provide immediate impact for a different reason. Here’s why the undrafted rookie could make the team.