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NFL: How the Eagles backfield works with LeGarrette Blount

By George Stockburger

Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia now has one of the deeper backfields in the NFL

Needing a running back who could turn successful short yard downs the Eagles went into the NFL Draft with their eyes set on Dalvin Cook. After unsuccessful trade talks to move up for Cook, Philadelphia drafted college football’s all-time rushing yards leader Donnel Pumphrey in the fifth round.

Pumphrey joined a crowded backfield consisting of Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, and Wendell Smallwood. Undrafted free agent Corey Clement also joined Pumphrey in the mix of veteran and youth tailbacks.

Looking at their depth chart Philadelphia knew they had to make an upgrade and get a power runner into the fold. By signing former Patriot LeGarrette Blount the Eagles now have a consistent mix of backs who can provide a change of pace.

But with six running backs now on the Eagles roster, how will the carries be split?

Aug 2, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) and running back Kenjon Barner (34) and running back Darren Sproles (43) warm up during training camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) and running back Kenjon Barner (34) and running back Darren Sproles (43) warm up during training camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

First, you can eliminate Ryan Mathews from the list of running backs in Philly. Once the former Charger can be medically cleared from a neck injury suffered last season, the Eagles will release him in the final year of a three-year, $11 million contract given out by Chip Kelly.

Sproles may be relegated to special teams at this point in his career where he can still excel as a return specialist. Likely to retire after the 2017 season, Sproles could still see five carries a game for Philadelphia while contributing as a punt returner.

Smallwood, a second-year back out of West Virginia, is the biggest question in the team running back corp. Appearing in only 13 games Smallwood got 77 carries with 312 rushing yards and a touchdown.

It’s unlikely Smallwood is cut after being the 153rd selection last year, but his carries aren’t expected to increase. He averaged just under six carries a game, and I expect him to fall to that range again.

Oct 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs for a second quarter touchdown as San Jose State Spartans cornerback Jermaine Kelly (3) defends at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) runs for a second quarter touchdown as San Jose State Spartans cornerback Jermaine Kelly (3) defends at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie Donnel Pumphrey and Corey Clement are also interesting. With Blount now in the mix, it’s hard to see Clement, who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a Badger last year, making the roster as an undrafted free agent. He was a priority undrafted rookie and could have been a breakout player in Philadelphia.

Barring any injury to Smallwood or Sproles Clement is likely released with the team hoping he can slip through waivers onto their practice squad.

Pumphrey is the future Sproles in Philadelphia as a special teams star who can carry the ball five times a game.

So with Sproles, Pumphrey, and Smallwood each averaging five carries a game, it appears Blount will likely get 10-15 for the Eagles. You can not only bring him in on third and short situations because it clues the defense in on what you’re running by having a specialist in the game.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Quarterbacks Post-NFL Draft

No matter how the Eagles backfield carries shake up, quarterback Carson Wentz has to be thrilled to see more talent on his side of the field.

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