Philadelphia Eagles: Grading the Positional Units as Training Camp Begins

Running Back, Grade: D

The running back position might be the weakest of all when it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles this year. Ryan Mathews is slotted to be the number one this season and that in itself should be a reason for concern.

The numbers aren’t the concerning part, it’s the simple fact that the man can’t stay on the field. When he was suited up on Sundays and got a chance to see some action last season he was serviceable.

Throughout his career, however, he is not the running back a team can rely on to be on the field every week. Behind him on the depth chart is Darren Sproles, who is probably the most explosive weapon the Philadelphia Eagles have. Sproles is five foot six and 190 pounds. He simply can’t carry the load. Beyond Sproles, there is rookie Wendell Smallwood who showed promise in OTA’s this year.

Unfortunately, OTA’s don’t count and there is a sizable unknown factor when it comes to any rookie or player that hasn’t seen the field much in their tenure in the NFL such a Kejon Barner, the final back that could make the roster.

Next: Receivers