Eagles Draft Prospects

We all know that Brian Westbrook wont last forever; he might not even last to the end of next season. He has been suffering from knee and foot injuries for a while now and it has gotten so bad that he hasnt practiced but being the warrior he is he still played. On the field he is one of the greatest weapons in the history of the game and most definately one of the greatest players in Eagles history. However, he is on the decline as can be noticed by his lack of production down the stretch this season and in the playoffs. Therefore, it seems like a logical time to look for the next in line to be Westbrook's replacement. Before someone blossoums into the player Westbrook is the Eagles could return to a tri-threat at RB. Buckhalter will most likely be gone unfortuntely because his contract is up and he wants to go somewhere where he could start. That is ashame because Buck was the best back the Eagles had in their last five games of the seaon. Booker was an awful pickup and I think the Eagles wasted a fourth round pick for his benchwarmer services. They couldve taken Felix Jones, Chris Johnson, Rashard Mendenhall, Kevin Smith, Matt Forte, or Steve Slaton instead; all of whom produced in their first year in the league. But teams do make mistakes and now they just need to rectify their mistake and make some upgrades to the RB position.

A prospect I have been a fan of all season is Oregon RB Jeremiah Johnson. I could not follow him too closely during the season due to the fact that he played in the West Coast and always played at crazy hours of the day. But ever since I saw his make a spin move that looked like he was imitating Boobie Miles from Friday Night Lights, I have been a huge fan. He even looked the part by wearing the jersey tucked up in his back plate. Now that the season is over I have been looking at his performance at the Senior Bowl and the practice week to learn more about him. Throughout Senior Bowl week Johnson took advantage of a pass heavy system he worked in with the North team. Something the Eagles love is when a RB can come out of the backfield and catch short passes and screens as a part of the running game. Johnson was able to display his agility and quickness throughout his fluid route running and natural catching ability. He was able to make hard cuts and qucikly accelerate getting away from the LBs to make the catch. He also displayed very soft hands that attracted the ball like a magnet attracts metal. While I researched his performance it seemed to mirror that of Brian Westbrook with the quickness, agility, and frame. Johnson is 5'9" 205 and Westbrook is 5'10" 203. Pretty identical size. His shortness is what would aid him in getting lost in the screen plays behind the Eagles massive offensive line. Also the Eagles drafted Westbrook in the third round from Villanova and Johnson is projected as a third round pick right now as well. It seems like too many coincidences to pass up on an uptapped talent like Johnson.

We all know the Eagles short yardage game has been awful to put it lightly (and not curse uncontrollably). For a solution to that problem I have researched information on Liberty College RB Rashard Jennings. He has a massive frame at 6'1" 234 lbs and was actually at the University of Pittsburgh before transferring for personal reasons. Imagine that tandum at RB this year, Jennings and McCoy. Jennings is a powerful runner who attacks defenders and he also can catch the ball well. Another plus with the Eagles system. Scouts believe he would fit nicely in a rotation in the pros which would fit perfectly with the Eagles if they choose to go that route again. That route did lead them to four straight NFC Championship Game appearances also. Being a small school prospect scouts worry he wouldnt be able to assimulate well with a faster pace and bigger more athletic players, but he proved them wrong this week at Senior Bowl practice as he apparently fit right in with the big school players.

These are just a couple running backs the Eagles could use and would fit perfectly into the scheme. Also they both have 3rd-4th round projections on them right now so the Eagles would not have to pay big money for a RB like they usually stay away from. These two seem like great fits for Philly; lets hope the scouts think so as well.