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Great SCOTT! Eagles RB’s GAIN WELL, can run for MILES.

 Currently, the Eagles are carrying 3 running backs on their roster… Boston Scott, Kenny Gainwell and Miles Sanders.  They will likely add at least 1 more during the upcoming Draft (or during subsequent Rookie Free Agency after the Draft).  But this is a terrific core 3 enabling the Birds to not have to force a pick in this direction. 

Ask the Giants about Boston Scott.  He’s given them fits.  Great Scott?  Sometimes, especially against NY.  Otherwise he’s usually just pretty darn good, which is good enough.  Boston Scott was re-signed to a 1-year deal last month.  More than a familiar face, he serves as a youthful (26) backup runner entering his prime.  He has 3 years’ experience with the Eagles, and with the offense.  In that time, he’s totaled just under 1000 yards rushing (4.4 per carry) and 500 yds receiving, with 14 TD’s.  He is a complementary back useful on any down and distance situation.  He has served as an emergency starter for Miles Sanders, and certainly has a nose for the end zone.  At 5’6” Scott is one of the NFL’s shortest players ever, but he carries his 200 lbs well, making him “thick…”  His height is not equivalent to his running force. Scott was a state champion in high school weightlifting and has grown into a strong 200 pounder. And he remains deceptive running behind the massive Eagle O-line, where defenders miss him “hiding within his height.”  

Kenny Gainwell, a 5th round pick by the Eagles in last year’s draft, is another versatile running back with 3-down ability. Like Scott, he shows good vision and while not a bruiser is fine with contact.  Gainwell has that stop/start cutting ability with good balance and vision.  He came into the league quite advanced as a pass catcher out of the backfield, able to run crisp routes and has good hands.  Also like Scott, he has below average size and “just OK” long speed.  He had some turnover issues as a rookie that led him back to the bench.  He finished 68-291-5 (4.3 per carry) as a runner with 33-253-1 (7.7 per catch) receiving, pretty productive for a 4th back!  Gainwell can serve in multiple roles for Philly and will ideally continue to grow into the 3rd down back role. 

Miles Sanders has been a bit of an enigma in Philly.  He’s still only 24, a second-round pick 3 years ago, working hard this off season for his 2nd NFL contract (next off season).  He’s already rushed for 2,439 yards and 9TD’s while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.  In addition, he has caught 104 passes for 864 yards and 3 TD’s.  Sanders has the 8th highest average yards per carry in NFL history for running backs with 500+ carries.  He’s 1 of only 7 running backs ever to start their careers with 3 seasons of 750+ yard and 4.5 ypc.  But…

Due to injuries, Sanders was only able to play in 12 regular season games in 2022.  So, his off-season training has been quite rigorous.   Per Aaron Wilson at F-Pro Football network, “he’s ahead of the curve as he prepares for the Eagles’ offseason conditioning program, organized team activities, and minicamps:”

Per Eagle GM Howie Roseman at the NFL combine this past February, “Miles is a heck of a player, heck of a person… We haven’t even seen everything Miles can give this team. Obviously, he’s been really productive. … I think the best is yet to come from Miles.”  Per Sanders himself, “I’ve still got a lot to prove. I’m taking it real personal this year. Just find a way to get noticed and command the respect, I’m not taking no for an answer this year. Just stay healthy, just be available… I want to be the best. That’s what I train to be. I want to be the best, period. I exhaust myself working hard to try to get to that point. I’m taking it a little more personal this year.”

Eagle fans can’t wait, Miles!

Eagles Lesson:  In trying to retain flexibility of “best player available” with their draft picks, the Eagles are currently strong at the position.  They will not need to force running back given their current depth… Their minimal goal will be to find that 4th (and/or 5th) back. They’ve had success with both rookie draft picks, rookie free agents and veteran free agents at the position. 
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