The race to the NFL Draft is officially underway, with teams across the league scrambling to compile their draft boards and get as much homework done on potential draftees as possible. For the Eagles, the priorities are clear...but are there players on the roster who could maybe sway Howie Roseman away from spending highly?
It wouldn't be the first time this has happened. If we think of the running back situation alone, names like Dalvin Cook and Marlon Mack have passed the Eagles by in recent years, with top-tier names slipping in and out of the laps of Philadelphia, with the trust in players already on the roster, providing enough of an insurance policy to prompt a later pick. So, who are the names to keep an eye on this year, who could leave you questioning why the Eagles didn't draft a certain position highly in a few weeks time, but then remind you why when Training Camp battles emerge? Click the pages below to find out!
RB Boston Scott
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzhiNizYEUo
After watching DeAndre Carter get plucked off the practice squad by the Houston Texans earlier in the year, the kick returner position was in jeopardy while Darren Sproles focused on getting fully healthy. The Eagles snagged rookie running Boston Scott from the Saints practice squad in response and it didn't take long for him to at least make some minor tremors.
Saints fans were reportedly quite annoyed at the move, after the 5'6, 203 lbs, rookie out of Louisiana Tech took the fanbase by storm in preseason. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry, scoring a touchdown and amassing 121 yards on 25 carries, seeing time at both return spots as well.
The Saints had a crowded backfield, but the anticipation around Scott was naturally high, He ended his collegiate career with 1,840 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He may not have clawed his way a true rotational role for the Eagles, but that didn't stop him from bursting onto the scene.
Against the Texans, Scott returned four kicks for 24.0 yards a pop. In this contest, he had a nice 21-yard return and 14-yarder which he probably should have left in the end zone. Chalk it up to a rookie mistake. Most importantly, he made no major blunders and kept the ball safe in the most important game of his career to date. In 2019, he could prove to be a younger, more athletic option than Kenjon Barner was in years past.
With the Eagles running back spot clearly a position of dire need, Scott's skillset may, just may give the Eagles a sense of hope that he could filter into the rotation behind a three-down back...and if that's the case, the Birds may start eyeing up players not named Josh Jacobs, who will be available in the later rounds.
DE Joe Ostman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6ww1BoNQPc
The Eagles drafted Josh Sweat last year, but they have shown a tendency to become besotted with undrafted pass rushers. At 6’3, 255 lbs, this Central Michigan standout is among the best from last year’s pool. With 21 sacks in his final two years, and 69 tackles in his senior season to go with 20.5 for a loss in just 11 games, Ostman did more than just attract attention. In fact, he ranked in the top 5 in the nation in tackles for a loss and sacks per game.
Ostman had the potential to become one of 2018's Training Camp darlings. That never really materialized, however, with the rookie recording 9 tackles and ending up being stashed away on the practice squad.
Some saw his frame as undersized for the NFL level, but his athleticism more than made up for it in college. The question is, with a year under his belt learning from Chris Wilson and the Eagles vets, is he ready to make the leap?
Depth along the trenches has long been a priority for Jim Schwartz and that won’t change anytime soon. Sure, Brandon Graham signed a new deal and Vinny Curry replaces Michael Bennett, but the rotation runs deep and Ostman has the initial burst and domineering nature to develop into a real weapon in this 4-3 scheme. The Eagles have been high on him for quite some time...but is it enough to see him bump up the depth chart?
CB Cre'Von LebLanc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGiOIfAcBxs
Since joining the Eagles during a time of dire need, Captain Cre'Von has rapidly become a fan favorite. From being tasked with shutting down Odell Beckham Jr in the final moments of a tense encounter, and starting inside against the unpredictable L.A. Rams offense, to his beautiful interception against the New Orleans Saints, LeBlanc has passed all tests with flying colors. It's a perfectly legitimate question to wonder what the future holds for the former Bears cornerback who fit in perfectly to an Eagles defense that is now crowded with young cornerback talent. At age 24, his ceiling is still extremely high...but could he compete for a starting role?
The good news is, LeBlanc signed a two-year deal with the Eagles, meaning that he will be battling throughout Training Camp and beyond. Even more good news is that with there being so much unpredictability in the secondary, there is a large chance that LeBlanc becomes one of the most stable pieces in a position full of movement.
Sidney Jones is yet to prove he can stay on the field and Avonte Maddox played so well at Safety in such rare and unlikely circumstances, you could make the case for a full-time move, giving LeBlanc a real shot here. Sure, Darby re-signed and Mills is entering a crucial stage in his contract, but for some reason, this hasn't stopped the Eagles being mocked corners in the first round all offseason.
The serenity of LeBlanc in the nickel could be all it takes to coax the Eagles out of not drafting a cornerback at all. With the team knowing fully well that Jones and Douglas have started outside, if LeBlanc can hold down the fort, why would they need to add yet more DB's to the mix?
Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
