Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Eagles 2016 Draft: Results, Analysis, Grades

By Alex Del Giudice

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 9
Next
philadelphia eagles
Nov 7, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Wendell Smallwood celebrates with fans after beating the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

5th round (153 overall): Wendell Smallwood, Running Back, West Virginia

Measurables: 5’10// 208 lbs

Analysis:

In the fifth round, the Philadelphia Eagles addressed the running back position, selecting Wilmington Delaware product and West Virginia standout Wendell Smallwood.

Smallwood, 22, had a very productive year for the Mountaineers, rushing for over 1,500 yards and scoring nine times. For the Philadelphia Eagles, this pick gives them a change of pace back to Ryan Matthews and presumably their third down back. Smallwood has very quick feet and excellent backfield vision, just take a look at this play as Smallwood finds the hole and explodes through it, also showcasing his second level burst.

via GIPHY

Projection:

I don’t see Smallwood ever becoming a three-down running back in the league but I do think he can the Eagles a nice weapon on the offense if used correctly. I see Smallwood used on third down situations and as a receiving back. My comparison for Smallwood would be De’Anthony Thomas. Look for Pederson to use Smallwood the way Pederson used Thomas in Kansas City.

GRADE: B-

This a very solid pick for the Eagles, as Smallwood presents a unique option for the offense in sub-packages. Look for Smallwood to get about 15-20 snaps a game for the Eagles in 2016.

Next: Halapoulivaati Vaitai

Home/Philadelphia Eagles