Philadelphia Eagles answer offensive question in latest ESPN NFL mock draft
The Philadelphia Eagles answer the biggest offensive question since Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline in ESPN’s NFL mock draft.
It may take Philadelphia Eagles fans a few moments to get used to not having Miles Sanders in the backfield alongside Jalen Hurts.
Following Tuesday's franchise tag deadline, it was reported that the Eagles are parting ways with the Pro Bowl-level running back just a few months removed from making the NFL Super Bowl. The good news is that in ESPN's latest NFL mock draft, Philadelphia fills its running back hole early.
Scouting guru Todd McShay, in his post-combine mock draft, had the Eagles filling the running back hole at pick No. 10 with Bijan Robinson out of Texas.
McShay's analysis of selecting Robinson so early in the draft does feature some interesting perspectives.
Take a look at what he said:
"I know, I know. It's a running back in the top 10, and the Eagles' defense is littered with free agents. Call it a luxury pick, but this wouldn't be surprising. Philadelphia leans on the run, Miles Sanders is a free agent and Robinson is a special kind of prospect. He put up 1,580 rushing yards, 20 total TDs, 91 broken tackles and 19 catches last season, and then ran a 4.46 in Indy. He has the contact balance and burst to make defenders miss and move the chains, and I know every other NFC team would be struggling with how to stop an offense that houses Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Robinson. Who do you take away there? There's no right answer."
It is clear that McShay is factoring in the Eagles' love of the run game into the selection. Still, it seems somewhat high to select a running back. But when Philadelphia is losing its starting running back to free agency, it makes sense why the organization would choose to go to that position sooner rather than later in the draft.
Defense still is a concern for the Eagles. But don't worry too much. McShay has Philadelphia selecting defensive tackle Calijah Kancey out of Pittsburgh.
Kancey recorded 31 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks in 11 games.
Take a look at what McShay said regarding the defensive tackle:
"Eagles GM Howie Roseman loves building his roster up from the trenches, and after landing an impact running back in Robinson earlier in Round 1, he can pick up one of the biggest combine standouts here. Kancey ran the fastest 40-yard dash for a defensive tackle at the combine since 2006, turning in a 4.67. He's a disruptive player with explosive traits, and he had 14.5 sacks and 28.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. But he's a bit of a 'tweener at 281 pounds, meaning he might move around Philly's defensive line. With Javon Hargrave, Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Robert Quinn, Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph all entering free agency from that line, Kancey's versatility would be welcomed."
If the Eagles walk away with a first-round that features selecting the running back of the future and a difference-maker at defensive tackle. It won't replace the pieces Philadelphia is losing right away, but it is the first step in replenishing a team that is completely asset depleted after making the Super Bowl.
