Eagles Running Back Battle Will be One to Watch

Before we know it, the Eagles roster will go from 90 players to 53. This year's edition of the Philadelphia Eagles seems to be pretty deep, that means some talented players might end up on the streets when cut-down day arrives.

That includes running back.

Even though Philadelphia is deep at the position, the team added two-time 1,000-yard rusher Jordan Howard to the mix, the rotation is far from solidified.

It’s an open battle behind Howard and 2019 second-round pick Miles Sanders. Competing for carries are Wendell Smallwood, Corey Clement, Josh Adams, Donnell Pumphrey and Boston Scott.

The Eagles selected Sanders in the second round round of this year’s draft. With the addition of Sanders, who had 1,413 yards (1,274 rushing, 139 receiving) and nine touchdowns at Penn State, the Eagles are hoping to have landed an explosive three-down talent that the team hasn't had since LeSean McCoy was traded to Buffalo.

Clement was a versatile player for Philadelphia his rookie season thanks to his contributions in the run game, the passing game and on special teams, but was sidelined by a knee injury last season. A former fifth-round pick, Smallwood, has done a little bit of everything, but doesn't do anything particularity great.  He finished his third season with 105 carries for 417 yards and three touchdowns, grabbing 31 passes for 256 yards and two more scores. Philadelphia added Adams as an undrafted rookie free agent last season out of Notre Dame. He showed some ability when called on, with 511 yards and three touchdowns last season. He lacks skills in the pass game and seems to have an uphill climb to make the team.

Both Pumphrey and Scott seem to be long shots to make the team, Pumphrey was a fourth round pick two years ago, and was thought to be the replacement for Darren Sproles.  While he opens eyes during the OTA amd min-cap sessions, it hasn't translated to when the lights are on. Scott was a sixth-round pick by New Orleans, and was picked up by the Eagles last season and has 4.4 speed, he could be a factor in the return game.

There will be plenty of time for the competition to shake out — the Eagles continue OTAs next week, have their mandatory minicamp in mid-June, and kick off training camp in late July.