Philadelphia Eagles: Kenneth Gainwell’s role should keep growing

The Philadelphia Eagles got a steal in Kenneth Gainwell, a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. His role could only keep growing this season.

At the time of the 2021 NFL Draft, it was hard to believe the Philadelphia Eagles were able to land former Memphis running back Kenneth Gainwell on day three, much less all the way down in round five. All the way down at pick number 150 overall, the Eagles managed to get a running back with one of the best all-around skill sets in the entire draft at his position.

Even though he’s not ideal size at 5-foot-8 (and change), 208 pounds, Gainwell can do it all at the running back position whether he’s being asked to run between the tackles, make big plays outside the tackles, catch the ball, or run routes.

Gainwell is a true asset out of the backfield but let’s look at some reasons why he may have fallen in the 2021 NFL Draft.

At Memphis, Gainwell had just one year of real production. He had four carries for 91 yards and a touchdown in 2018, and only 10 total touches from scrimmage, but in 2019, he really broke out.

Gainwell’s 2019 season was filled with highlight-reel plays as he torched defenses to the tune of 1,459 yards and 13 touchdowns rushing and 51 receptions with 610 yards and three more touchdowns as a receiver.

The concerns over the pandemic in 2020 prompted Gainwell to opt-out of the season, which a wide variety of players did, but obviously, the NFL wanted to see a bigger sample from him before pulling the trigger.

In the end, it seems like the league just “overthought” Kenneth Gainwell.

Philadelphia Eagles: Kenneth Gainwell earning a bigger role

As we discussed at length at the time of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles got themselves a big-time steal in Kenneth Gainwell, who may remind head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen of a player they are both familiar with from their days with the Chargers.

Back in 2017, the Chargers signed a running back out of Western Colorado by the name of Austin Ekeler whose size and skill profile match up extremely well with that of Kenneth Gainwell.

Miles Sanders is very clearly established as the Philadelphia Eagles’ RB1 and there’s no question about that, but Gainwell has earned trust to play a significant role as RB2 and he showed that in week one against the Atlanta Falcons.

Gainwell finished his NFL debut for the Philadelphia Eagles with nine carries for 37 yards and a touchdown as well as three targets and two receptions.

His statistics aren’t blowing anyone away but his impact on the game was undoubtedly felt and what was probably more surprising than anything given the fact that he was out for 2020 with the opt-out was just how comfortable he looked out there.

You don’t get this kind of week one impact from a fifth-round pick normally. Of course, Eli Mitchell with the San Francisco 49ers was also making history in week one, but you get the idea.

Gainwell was under-drafted, there’s no question about it, and he will have a substantial impact for the Philadelphia Eagles this season as he continues to gain trust from the coaching staff.