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Philadelphia Eagles Draft | 10 Senior Bowl Players to Watch

By Benjamin Solak

Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Carson Wentz of North Dakota State (11) looks to throw a pass during first half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Carson Wentz of North Dakota State (11) looks to throw a pass during first half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) is pursued by Houston Cougars linebacker Matthew Adams (9) on a 30-yard run in the second quarter during the 25th Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State

Pumphrey isn’t getting talked about enough as a Day 2 running back–you heard me, Day 2.

In a dense running back class, it’s easy to undervalue guys. Draft experts across the board have been rattling for more hype around Jamaal Williams from BYU and Kareem Hunt from Toledo, two other RBs that’ll join Pumphrey in Mobile. But I’d take Pumphrey, FBS record-holder in career rushing yards with 6,405, over either of them.

Pumphrey has the quickest feet in this class of running backs. His ability to stop on a dime, change direction, and start again absolutely devastates defenders in space.

This play just highlights it all from Pumphrey: the vision, lightning-quick cuts, and creator’s mindset that help him react to penetration on a crucial 3rd and 3; then, the intelligence to draw in the edge defender, the #ToeDragSwag to decelerate, and the explosion–pure explosion–to win on the outside. Pumphrey threatens the defense’s discipline and athleticism on every play. You can clearly see how.

Playing on the South squad, Pumphrey will have to prove to NFL squads that his frame (5’8, 169 lbs) won’t prevent him from producing regularly. While nobody in their right mind thinks Pumphrey’s an ideal three-down back at the next level, he’s good for 10-15 touches a game, and can rip any one of those off for an explosive play. A threat in the receiving/return game as well, Pumphrey could reach and even exceed RB Darren Sproles-like production throughout his career.

Tell me, right now, that the Philadelphia Eagles wouldn’t spend a 3rd-round pick to preserve Darren Sproles’ impact in their offense after he retires (ICYMI: he just made his third-straight Pro Bowl.)

Projected Round: 3rd

Tarell Basham, DE, Ohio

You’ll hear a lot this week about Antonio Garcia, an OT out of Troy who strung together some great tape during the season and might sneak into Round 2. What you won’t hear: Tarell Basham absolutely demolished him when they faced off.

Basham, an All-American as a freshman in 2013, plays with a great motor and has nice size (6’4, 259 lbs). A raw prospect from a smaller school, Basham should benefit from NFL leveling coaching during the week–his tape shows a dearth of developed pass-rushing moves. However, he flashes potential, with great length and decent bend. A team will buy into him as a developmental, rotation pass-rushing prospect.

Basham will have to show the North coaches–and all NFL scouts present–that he can take well to coaching. If not, his raw potential may just go to waste.

The Philadelphia Eagles need to continue searching for DE depth and potential. The longer the spot next to Brandon Graham goes unfilled, the more this defense will play under its ceiling. Basham’s a player they could grab late and look to develop.

Projected Round: 6th

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