Ask Andrew: Best Big RB Fit For Eagles In Draft?

In an effort to streamline all draft-related questions and interact with you, we’ve hatched the concept of Andrew’s NFL Draft mailbag.

There were so many great questions to choose from this week! I may consider doing a Part II early next week, time permitting. Apologies if I didn’t get to your question.

That said, let’s get to it!

Could the Eagles target a big back like Louisiana’s Elijah Michell in the NFL Draft to complement Miles Sanders?

From Twitter: Tom Welke (@TomWelke):
Who are the best fits in the draft if the Eagles take a QB?

A: The only quarterback I’d consider, outside of Lawrence, would be Justin Fields. Fields is decidedly superior to Hurts in most areas. Fields is mechanically sound, incredibly accurate with ball placement, and drives the ball with far more velocity. That said, and I’ve mentioned this in articles and on air, it would be malpractice to select another quarterback with a premium pick in my opinion, given the plethora of needs on the roster. The Eagles have a wide-ranging talent deficiency and need to start building up the roster.

From Twitter: Anthony Ricciuti (@Richooots)
Is there a “bigger” RB prospect you can see the Birds drafting?

A: The absence of the power running game really eliminated a crucial dimension from the offense last season. Miles Sanders was limited to 12 games, thrusting Boston Scott into a more prominent role. In a perfect world, Scott would be a perfect change-up option in a three-man rotation, but the team must upgrade the No. 2 RB spot. A couple of Day 3 names I like are Buffalo’s Jaret Patterson or Louisiana-Lafayette’s Elijah Mitchell – bigger backs with some wiggle to their game.

From Twitter: Leo Pien (@Chilei76)
Is the 2021 TE class really that bad? I feel like there are plenty of intriguing prospects this draft. Pitts, Pat F, Jordan, Tremble, Long, Yeboah, McKitty, Bates, Poljan, Eubanks, Beyer, Angeline….at least better than 2020 TE class no?

A: Personally, I’m intrigued with the TE talent pool in this class. Kyle Pitts, Pat Freiermuth, and Brevin Jordan will all be high-level starters in this league for a long time. While the others listed don’t offer anywhere close to the upside of the top three, and might not be ready to make an immediate impact, prospects like Hunter Long and Kenny Yeboah can be complementary pieces at the pro level. I’d even throw in SMU’s Kylen Granson, who doesn’t have prototypical size but can fill myriad roles.

From Twitter: ShadowP-R-E-Z (@Prez215)
Elijah Moore and Cam McGrone don’t seem to get a lot of love. You think they fill needs in Philly? Where do you see Trey Ragas being drafted?

A: In Moore’s case, this is another extremely deep class of wide receivers, so he’s gotten a bit overlooked throughout the process. However, I still view him as a mid-to-late second-round pick. Some may have reservations due to his slight build, but Moore’s short-area quickness, ability to churn out yards after the catch, and straight-line speed would be a vast upgrade over Greg Ward. Very high on his upside.

As for McGrone, while he offers instinctiveness, athleticism, and plenty of closing speed, there are blemishes to his game that are slowing the hype train. For one, he’s inexperienced (15 career starts). While his aggressiveness often serves as an asset against the run, he has a tendency to take himself out of plays due to over-pursuit and he’s a bit raw in pass coverage. If he returned to Michigan for another season to fine-tune some things, McGrone would be a hot commodity in 2022.

I have Ragas currently slotted as a 7th-rounder/PFA. Each year, talented running backs are slipping through the cracks, and I think Ragas could fall victim to that. Strong power-runner who spent his college years in a timeshare. Limited tread on tires.

From Twitter: Tim Deaner (@phillybos)
If you were offered exceptional assets, would you stay out at 6 or move back 6/7 spots?

A: Well, it depends how the draft board unfolds. I would personally hold firm at 6 and take the best player available, but I think they could afford to move down two spots at most, and feasibly land Caleb Farley or Patrick Surtain there. Possibly even Kyle Pitts. Now, if you drop down 6-7 spots, there’s a considerable drop-off.

From Twitter: Extra Dank (@DankDudeBruh)
Who’s an ideal 3rd round RB the eagles could draft? Would love to see them snag Kylin Hill from Miss State.

A: Kylin Hill, to me, would be the ideal third-round pick. Intriguing blend of power, finesse, and versatility. Terrific contact balance as well. Hill would perfectly complement Sanders and give the team a formidable 1-2 punch. As far as another fit that falls into that mid-range slot, Oklahoma’s Trey Sermon is another who could be the thunder to Sanders’ lightning.

From Inside The Birds Facebook Group: Adam Bershad
Which position is a MUST to address?

A. Assessing the roster, the team must identify building blocks at defensive end, in my opinion. Brandon Graham is approaching 33, Derek Barnett has been an enigma, and Josh Sweat will likely never be able to handle a starter’s share of snaps over a full season. The game is won in the trenches and a tenacious defensive front can mask a lot of issues. They also need to come away with a building block at cornerback. After years of egregious play on the outside, they need a lockdown perimeter defender to groom.

From Facebook: Chris Glover
Can you list a few names at DT that would fit into this rotation with Malik Jackson moving on…and what round(s) those players may be slotted in?

A. Sure. A few DTs who I like are Tommy Togiai (3rd), Daviyon Nixon (3rd), and Jaylen Twyman (4th).

Togiani is more of a space-eating run stuffer, while Nixon and Twyman cut their teeth on their pass-rush prowess.

From Facebook: Ray Cunningham Jr.
Who are some prospects on Day 2 and 3 that the Eagles could target and have a chance to contribute right away?

A. Great question! Players who fit that bill are RB Kylin Hill, EDGE Rashad Weaver, CB Elijah Molden, S Richie Grant, and LB Baron Browning.

– Andrew DiCecco (@ADiCeccoNFL) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.

Listen to the latest “Inside The Birds” podcast from Geoff Mosher and Adam Caplan here:

Or watch on YouTube: