As we near the start of the Eagles’ 2020 training camp, we’re taking a closer look at some key position battles to watch this summer. We already took a look at the No. 2 cornerback.
Up today: Running back
Names to know
Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Corey Clement, Elijah Holyfield, Mike Warren, Adrian Killins Jr.
What to watch
The top two guys on this list are locks for the roster. Sanders was the 53rd overall pick last year and had a tremendous rookie season, setting the Eagles rookie record for scrimmage yards. Entering Year 2, Sanders has high expectations for himself and the team has high expectations for him too. Without a doubt, he’ll be the Eagles’ top running back going into 2020.
And Scott is a lock for the team as well. The former Saints draft pick began last season on the Eagles’ practice squad but by the end of the season was a major contributor to the offense. He capped off the 2019 regular season with a three-touchdown performance against the Giants that earned him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award. The Eagles don’t think his success was a fluke.
NFL
But after those two … there are no guarantees.
The Eagles were reportedly interested in bringing in a veteran running back but that never happened and now they’re going into training camp with four players fighting for two spots. In the four seasons under Doug Pederson, the Eagles have kept four running backs on their initial 53-man roster three times and they kept five in 2018 to avoid losing Donnel Pumphrey or Clement. So it’s relatively safe to assume that there are four candidates fighting for two jobs:
Corey Clement: The Eagles brought Clement back on a veteran minimum deal so it’s not like he’s definitely going to be on the team. And after dealing with serious injuries in the last couple of seasons, there are serious questions about his health as he enters his fourth NFL season. Yes, Clement was once a Super Bowl hero but that was a long time ago in football time. He played in just four games last season before heading to IR and wasn’t a part of the Eagles’ offensive game plan before that. But he is talented and if he’s healthy, could be a comeback player.
Elijah Holyfield: After spending his rookie season on the Panthers’ practice squad, the undrafted running back from Georgia signed to the Eagles’ active roster just before the playoffs. Even though he didn’t play in the playoffs, the fact that the Eagles used a roster spot on him shows how much they wanted to get him into their building. Without spring practices, Holyfield has at least been an Eagle and has been in the building some; that should give him a decided advantage over the rookies.
Mike Warren: The Eagles had a draftable grade on the 5-foot-9, 218-pound rookie from Cincinnati but were able to sign him as an undrafted free agent, giving him $57,500 in guaranteed money, one of the higher totals among this undrafted class. Warren is a hard-nosed, between-the-tackles runner who seems like a good complement to Sanders and Scott. He had 33 rushing touchdowns in 2018 and 2019 for the Bearcats.
Adrian Killins Jr.: Killins (5-8, 177) is probably more of a project. The UCF product is lightning fast and has ability to make a difference as a receiver and returner. But he is probably the least likely of the four to make the initial 53-man roster; practice squad seems like a possibility.
Prediction
As will become commonplace during these camp battles, we have to point out just how unusual this offseason has been. And it’s worth pointing out that any player with experience has an advantage. With that in mind, at least for now, I expect Clement and Holyfield to take those final two spots. I think Warren has a real shot but I still haven’t seen him practice. Clement needs to prove he’s healthy.
For now: Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Corey Clement, Elijah Holyfield
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